The Cost of Caring | HR strategies for charities in a financial squeeze
Is your charity poised to meet today’s workforce challenges?
Charities are facing a perfect storm: rising employment costs, reduced funding, declining donations, and record service demand. Adding to the strain, National Insurance contributions have risen to 15% and the National Living Wage to £12.21 per hour this month.
At the same time, demand for charity services is growing. Staff shortages, burnout, and rising compliance risk make sustaining services and empowering vulnerable communities more challenging.
Join us to hear about the workforce pressures faced by charities during periods of financial difficulty, the risks of inaction, and how you can take practical steps to build resilience in uncertain times.
23 April, 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
What to expect
During this free one-hour webinar, WorkNest’s HRC Operations Director, Jo Chambers, and Head of Organisational Development Services, Annabelle Carey, will explore how financial pressures are impacting charities – and how you can respond confidently and sensitively.
Get insight into:
- Key financial concerns for charities: We’ll unravel the specific cost pressures facing the sector – from rising employer NICs to increased NLW.
- Recruitment and retention: With applications scarce and burnout prevalent, discover strategies for attracting and holding on to top performers.
- Workforce wellbeing and engagement: Learn how to support stretched teams with the leadership and skills they need to stay well and motivated.
- Managing organisational change: With restructuring a reality, learn how to navigate the process while avoiding Tribunal claims, protecting your culture, and maintaining morale.
- Strategic workforce planning: Proactive HR shouldn’t be considered a luxury in difficult times. Learn how to incorporate people planning into every leadership conversation.
Did you know?
According to the NCVO, the voluntary sector incurs an additional £1.4 billion each year in National Insurance costs, yet 94% of charities are experiencing real-term funding reductions. Meanwhile, nearly five million people stopped making regular donations in 2024, with many doing so in September alone.
Failure to respond strategically can result in unbudgeted costs, service disruptions, compliance risks, and even closure. However, by implementing effective HR initiatives, your charity can remain people-focused and future-proof.
Got a question?
Submit your queries when registering – we’ll address as many as possible during the session.
Register for free webinar
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Webinar review
“Having attended a few WorkNest webinars, I am always impressed with the no-nonsense, well-balanced guidance they provide. Their advice gives me confidence to deal with situations that may arise in an appropriate way and the fact that they follow up with answers to all the questions posed during the webinar is an added bonus.”
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