People who know anything about employment procedures please help with my dilemma!

[thirtysomething]

Is it always obligatory to advertise and go through a recruitment process even if you have a suitable internal candidate? I've been doing a job on a voluntary basis as it's a charity set-up I really believe in and wasn't looking for a paid job. I've loved it there and thought I was doing a good job. Now all of a sudden they've decided to create a new post which basically covers all the tasks I've been doing for the past few weeks,plus another task (which I had never been asked to do). They've hinted that they are open to me applying for the job and have implied that school hours etc. wouldn't be a problem. However,at the same time they are now actively going through the process of advertising and encouraging applications. I'm very confused! I'm feeling slightly hurt as it feels as if I must have only been "caretaking" the job and that now that I've got everything under control (it was an area that had't had much attention for a couple of months), they feel it's in good enough shape to hand over to someone else! On the other hand my DH suggested maybe they think I've done so much work they realise that it's really a job someone should be paid to do! I'm also quite down about the fact that if I do apply and don't get it I'll have to leave the organisation as I'll be surplus to requirements.

[thirtysomething]

bumping in case anyone around!

[ellehcim]

It isn't compulsory to advertise all jobs however if they are a charity then they may well have internal guidelines which state they must advertise all vacancies externally as well as internally. Lots of charitable organisations will have such a rule as will public bodies and many large organisations.
I'm sure you'll be the best candidate by far given your past experience and obvious enthusiasm for the role.

[LIZS]

They have to advertise internally if not externally.

[themoon66]

This happens in the NHS. They have to advertise, shortlist everyone with the required qualifications that are asked for and invite them for interview.

It's a policy that was brought in to stop all the 'jobs for the boys' type of culture. It makes it fairer.

If you have the qualifications they state are essential, then they will shortlist you and interview you. You have a good chance by the sound of things.

[thirtysomething]

thanks for al your posts, I'm feeling much calmer about it all now!

[flowerybeanbag]

thirtysomething try not to worry. I expect they have a recruitment policy which means they have to at least advertise internally.

They are encouraging you to apply which is a very good sign. It is much fairer to have a competitive selection process, but you have a distinct advantage over anyone else who applies as you are to all intents and purposes doing the job anyway.

Try not to see it as a slight against you that they are seeking other applications> They obviously think highly of you but at present you are volunteering. If they now have budget for someone to do this job, it will be their responsibility, particularly as a charity, to ensure the money they now have is spent correctly, which involves making sure they have the right person for the job, and being able to demonstrate that they have found the correct person by fair means.

Charities by definition receive their funding from elsewhere, whether it's donations from other organisations, government grants, or public donations. I'm sure you can understand that this means they have to be very careful about how they spend their money, and a fair and open recruitment process is important to this.

As I say, the fact that you are doing it currently and have been encouraged to apply means you have a huge advantage and I would say probably nothing at all to worry about.

Good luck

[thirtysomething]

thanks flowery, you are very encouraging and have put things into perspective! I've noticed from other threads in this section that you give a lot of very detailed employment advice - yu=ou are very dedicated and provide an invaluable service!!

[flowerybeanbag]

thanks thirtysomething, always nice to be appreciated!