UK: Tom Flood a long career defending the enviroment

Tom Flood is the Chief Executive of BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) a charity which provides environmental volunteering, training for personal development and employment to 200,000 volunteers and supports 2000 local community groups with insurance, advice and products.

Tom Flood was appointed as Chief Executive in 2001 but has been workng for BTCV since 1986 when he decided to leave the private sector.

How and why did you become interested in the third sector?

In 1986 I left the private sector becouse I decided to pursue my interest in green issues and working with people, particularly those most disadvantaged, following a career in the third sector.

What do you think about the third sector in UK according with your experiences?

The UK is fortunate to have a large, innovative and thriving Third Sector, which prospers often in spite of Government interest and financial support. The appointment of a Third Sector Minister by the UK Government has been a very positive step.
The UK is still a very unequal society, in spite of the fiscal reforms of the UK Government. Climate change will impact on the poorest most immediately, and it is the role of the Third Sector to intervene to bring about positive changes for all of the citizens of the UK.

What, in your opinion, is the potential for partnerships to be established between the private sector and the third sector?

With Climate Change high on the media agenda BTCV has seen considerable interest from the private sector to work us to provide ' Green Employee' volunteering days, to communicate with their staff on Environmental issues and to seek advice and create links to deliver their CSR (corporate social responsibility) needs.

What do you think about the third sector in Europe? What dealings, if any, does your organisation have with organisations in other European countries?

BTCV has considerable contact with the environmental sector and a growing relationship with the social sector and European wide third sector organisations.
We play an active role in volunteering focused networks in Europe and input in environmental, learning and social cohesion policy.

What are, in your opinion, the main challenges for the European third sector today?

Helping make aware the European Commission, Parliament and other institutions of the role, value and professionalism of the third sector and how they could work in partnership to achieve common objectives. Like the UK, Europe is an unequal society and also third sector development is very varied in each country. The third sector can play a role in improving the lives of all citizens.
And also working together and recognising each others strengths and removing political and stereotypical perceptions.

What would you suggest to a young person wanting to make a career in the third sector?

Pick an NGO, learn about them, see if they have a 'volunteer? placement programme so you can decide if they are for you. BTCV has a Volunteer Officer placement programme, on which we place 400 people each year for 3 to 12 months. 68 % of these go into further education or are employed by the sector.

Do you have a particularly interesting or favourite website to suggest to our readers?

www.btcv.org.uk