The Open University has announced that it is offering a free to enrol, eight-week long course called ‘Introducing the voluntary sector’ for those who work in the sector or are looking to work in it.

The course, which is split over eight separate modules which Open University have said will take a minimum of three hours to complete a week, is geared towards charity professionals or those who “want to learn more about the voluntary sector”.

In a statement, Open University said: “The course will guide you through some of the distinctive features and values of the voluntary sector, how organisations are funded and involve volunteers and other ‘stakeholders’ in their work. It will also provide you with knowledge and skills you can apply to your own work or volunteering as well as your everyday life”.

The course also features an interview with Martha Lane Fox, chancellor of the Open University and chair of digital skills charity Go On UK, and another “significant figure in the sector”.

While those who complete the course won’t hold official accreditation from the Open University, they will receive an Open University digital badge, which is a “way to demonstrate your interest in the subject and the commitment to your career, and provide evidence of continuing professional development”.

For those interested in applying, the course can be enrolled in here.