It is important for those working for charities to make use of social media websites, it has been reported.

At a panel discussion hosted by digital agency Enable Interactive, it was revealed that sites such as YouTube, MySpace, Bebo and Facebook are being increasingly used by third sector bodies, Mad.co.uk reports.

Bertie Bosredon, head of new media at Breast Cancer Care, said: "It is important we listen to the needs of our audience."

"Charities need to accept the fact that people will redistribute their content, so let’s empower them to do it and make it easier," he added.

Mr Bosredon went on to assert that as a part of investing in new media, charities should help their staff to learn how to make use of podcasting, video editing and other online-based skills.

Dorothea Arndt, new media manager for British Red Cross, added that social media sites now play a major role in helping charities to engage with potential supporters.

Such news could be of interest to those third sector workers looking for a job via a regional recruitment portal.

In other news, the Charities Information Bureau recently unveiled a new website aimed at helping charity workers in the south-west to apply for grants and gain advice on fundraising.

More regional recruitment portal information.