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5 key recruitment trends that could help combat staff shortages in the charity sector
Written by Danielle Fargnoli on 5 October 2023
The charity sector is a vital part of the UK economy and society, but in 2023, it’s facing a multitude of challenges, most notably a shortage of skilled staff. In light of this, understanding current recruitment trends, including what matters most to candidates and what they want and expect of employers, will be essential to attracting and retaining talent.
Here are five recruitment trends we know to prevalent right now within the third sector which, if incorporated into your recruitment strategies and processes, could significantly enhance your hiring success.
1. Increased focus on diversity and inclusion
Charities are increasingly recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This is being driven by several factors, including the need to reflect the diversity of the communities that charities serve, as well as the benefits that diversity can bring to organisations, such as increased creativity and innovation.
As a result, charities are taking steps to make their recruitment processes more inclusive and to attract candidates from a wider range of backgrounds. This includes using inclusive language in job postings, partnering with diversity and inclusion organisations, and providing unconscious bias training to staff.
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2. Growing demand for digital skills
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of the charity sector. As a result, there is a growing demand for staff with digital skills.
Charities are looking for staff who can help them to develop and implement digital strategies, use social media effectively, and raise funds online. They are also looking for staff who can use data and analytics to measure the impact of their work.
3. Increased focus on employee wellbeing
Charities are also increasingly focusing on the wellbeing of their staff. This is because they recognise that wellbeing is essential for productivity and retention.
Charities are offering a range of employee wellbeing benefits, such as flexible working, mental health support, and financial counselling. They are also creating a culture of wellbeing within their organisations by encouraging staff to talk about their mental health and to support each other.
4. Rise of remote and hybrid working
The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to a rise in remote and hybrid working in the charity sector. This is because charities have realised that staff can be productive and engaged even when they are not working in an office.
Remote and hybrid working can offer several benefits for both charities and their staff. For charities, it can help to reduce costs and to attract a wider pool of candidates. For staff, it can offer a better work-life balance and increased flexibility.
5. Importance of employer branding
In a competitive job market, it is important for charities to have a strong employer brand. This means communicating their mission, values, and culture to potential candidates in a clear and compelling way.
Charities can do this through their website, social media, and branding materials. They can also talk to their staff about what they love about working for the charity and encourage them to share their stories online.
How to attract and retain top talent in the charity sector
Charities can attract and retain top talent by following these tips:
Focus on diversity and inclusion. Make sure that your recruitment processes are inclusive and that your organisation is welcoming to staff from all backgrounds.
Invest in digital skills. Provide training and development opportunities for staff to develop their digital skills.
Make employee wellbeing a priority. Offer a range of employee wellbeing benefits and create a culture of wellbeing within your organisation.
Embrace remote and hybrid working. Consider offering remote and hybrid working options to staff.
Build a strong employer brand. Communicate your mission, values, and culture to potential candidates in a clear and compelling way.
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WorkNest: the smart way to secure your next hire
Here at WorkNest, our recruitment specialists support multiple charities in their hiring campaigns and processes. We can implement a full, fixed-fee recruitment model, keeping costs upfront and clear, whilst delivering a full recruitment campaign from planning to appointment phase.
If you are a charity and are keen to implement effective recruitment processes and practice, get in touch today to discuss how we can best support your charity. Call 0345 226 8393 or request your free consultation using the button below.
