Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Challenges

The charity sector is under pressure like never before. With record vacancies and rising staff turnover, recruitment and retention have become critical challenges that no organisation can afford to ignore.

The charity sector faces a care sector staff turnover rate of 34.4%, with over 100,000 vacancies and costs upward of £30,000 to replace a single care worker. High reliance on zero-hours contracts and low pay makes recruitment and retention difficult.

Competition for talent is fierce, not only due to rising wage expectations but also because many roles cannot match the pay or stability offered in other sectors. Charities are encouraged to offer creative benefits, including flexibility and development opportunities, to entice skilled candidates.

Despite perceptions of outdated or under-resourced HR, many charities are using innovative HR practices and focusing on diversity, professionalisation, and workforce engagement.

The sector may face daunting statistics, but forward-thinking charities are proving that smart HR, genuine investment in people, and creative workforce strategies can turn the tide. Those who act boldly now will be the ones who attract, grow, and keep the talent they need.