HR Support Services for Charities, Non-Profit Organisations, and Social Enterprises
Specialist HR Guidance for the Third Sector
Charities and non-profit organisations face particular human resources challenges that require specialised knowledge and support. As an ethical HR consultancy with over 25 years of experience, we understand the distinct needs of the charitable sector, not-for-profit organisations, and non-profit entities and provide tailored charity HR consultancy services that allow you to focus on your mission.
Why Charities And Non-Profits Need Dedicated HR Support
Running a charity, voluntary organisation, community group, social enterprise, not-for-profit, or membership association involves HR considerations that differ from those in commercial settings:
- Managing both paid staff and volunteers across diverse community organisations
- Understanding charity-specific employment law
- Ensuring proper safeguarding procedures
- Working with limited resources and funding
- Addressing behavioural issues whilst maintaining your values
- Creating policies that reflect your ethical mission
Without proper support, these challenges can lead to lower productivity, high staff turnover and potentially serious regulatory problems.
Our Charity And Non-profit HR Services
Charity and Non-Profit Employment Law Expertise
Our specialists keep up to date with all aspects of employment legislation affecting charitable organisations:
- Guidance on the legal status of volunteers versus employees
- Advice on compliant volunteer agreements and expense policies
- Support with safeguarding requirements and DBS checks
- Help with Charity Commission regulatory compliance
- Expert guidance on managing serious incidents
Human Resources Support for Everyday Challenges Charities and Non-Profits Face
We offer practical, hands-on support for your charity’s day-to-day HR needs:
- Managing behavioural issues constructively
- Addressing insubordinate employees professionally
- Developing effective recruitment for both paid and volunteer roles
- Creating policies tailored to the charitable sector
- Supporting with performance management
- Handling grievances sensitively
Charity and Non-Profit HR Documentation & Policy Development
Our documentation services ensure your charity operates on solid foundations:
- Charity-specific employee handbooks
- Clear volunteer agreements
- Robust safeguarding policies
- Compliant employment contracts
- Straightforward disciplinary procedures
- Health and safety documentation for your activities
“Specialised HR provided a complete HR support function for our charity. They helped us professionalise the function introducing procedures and processes for all of our HR related activity. They also provided excellent coaching support to the team to ensure our in house capabilities’ were strengthened. All of the team found them approachable and good to work with. Thanks so much for all your support.”
– Mark, Chief Executive Officer
How Our Charity and Non-Profit HR Advice Makes a Difference
By partnering with us for your Non-Profit’s HR needs, you’ll benefit from:
- Reduced risk of employment tribunals and regulatory issues
- More time to focus on your charitable objectives
- Better staff and volunteer engagement
- Skilled handling of sensitive situations
- Cost-effective charity human resources support without an in-house team
- Peace of mind about your charity’s employment law compliance
Flexible HR Support Options for Charities and Non-Profits
We understand that charities work with tight budgets, which is why we offer flexible options:
Pay As You Go
Perfect for smaller charities needing occasional HR support without monthly commitments.
Fixed Fee Services
We don’t charge based on employee numbers. Instead, we provide dedicated time regardless of your organisation’s size.
Project-Based Support
Need help with a specific challenge? We offer project fees for services like policy development, handling behavioural issues or conducting investigations.
Organisations we work with
Safeguarding and Workplace Investigations for Charities and Non-Profits
Charities operate on trust, mission‑driven purpose, and often limited resources. When a serious or sensitive workplace issue arises in a charity, NGO, or community group, you need an investigator who understands the sector’s distinct challenges – volunteer dynamics, donor confidentiality, statutory safeguarding duties, and the imperative to protect the people you serve.
At Specialised HR , we deliver independent investigations that get to the heart of the matter while preserving the dignity of staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and the reputation of your organisation.
Independent Investigations Delivered with Fairness, Sensitivity and Sector Expertise
Charities operate on trust – trust from beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, donors and regulators. When concerns arise, it’s vital that investigations are handled with integrity, discretion and impartiality.
We take time to understand the context of your organisation, gather evidence thoroughly, and ensure everyone involved is heard. Our approach is transparent, balanced and aligned with best practice, giving trustees and leaders clear, actionable outcomes.
Whether you are managing concerns involving staff, volunteers, trustees or service users, our calm and impartial process helps you respond appropriately while safeguarding your organisation’s reputation and duty of care.
Does your charitable organisation need support with a workplace investigation? We’re here to guide you through it.
Workplace Investigations for Charities
From grievances and misconduct to disputes involving staff or volunteers, our workplace investigations bring clarity to complex situations.
We conduct impartial interviews, gather evidence carefully and present balanced findings that stand up to scrutiny. Our aim is to help charities resolve issues fairly and proportionately, while minimising disruption and maintaining trust within your team and community.
Safeguarding Investigations in the Charity Sector
Safeguarding concerns within charities require immediate, specialist handling. We understand the heightened responsibilities charities have to vulnerable beneficiaries, funders and regulators, and we approach every case with the sensitivity and professionalism it demands.
We manage each stage of the investigation process, ensuring actions prioritise safety, wellbeing and compliance with Charity Commission guidance and safeguarding best practice. Our approach supports trustees and leaders to meet their duty of care while maintaining transparency, accountability and confidence in your organisation.
Why Choose Us for Your Charity and Non-Profit HR Support?
As an ethical business ourselves, we share your values-driven approach. When you work with us, you gain:
- HR experts with experience in the charitable sector
- Support that balances mission and management
- Practical, clear advice you can use immediately
- A partner who understands the unique pressures facing charities
- An approach that respects both legal requirements and ethical values
- We understand the nuances of different legal structures. Whether you are a registered charity, a Community Interest Company (CIC), a membership association, or a charitable trust, our advice is tailored to your specific governance requirements.
- Our expertise extends beyond traditional charities to membership organisations, associations, and advocacy groups.
Charity HR Support Case Study
How We Were Able To Help Resolve a Delicate HR Challenge For a Charity Requiring External HR Support
We were contacted by a well known charity, who were in need of immediate HR assistance, to help them find a positive way of handling a challenging situation which had arisen within their team. As experienced specialists in HR solutions for charities, we were able to implement a fast and effective strategy to resolve their issues and restore balance to the dynamic within their organisation.
Key HR Objectives
The Trustees of the charity received a resignation letter from a key employee advising they wished to terminate their employment due to the behaviour of another colleague. Trustees were concerned that the allegations were for racial discrimination.
Trustees and management were aware of the behaviour of the other employee and contacted us to undertake an investigation to look into the allegations, report on our findings and provide recommendations.
Solutions to the Charity's HR Challenges
It was a priority to undertake the investigation as quickly as possible and to reassure the aggrieved employee that the issue was being looked into.
We carried out the investigation: interviewed all relevant parties and reviewed all evidence and drafted a detailed investigation report.
We were able to conclude the investigation with a case to answer, ensuring that all parties were kept informed where necessary.
Trustees were happy how the investigation was handled and our recommendations for improvements to overcome current and future issues.
Key Benefits for the Charity
1. Identified practices where improvements were needed
The investigation uncovered that management had a lack of experience handling employee relations issues. We recommended management training, 121 coaching and ongoing HR advice and guidance.
2. A fair investigation process was followed
All management and Trustees had been involved with the situation and needed an impartial professional to support them. The charity was reassured we had experience of handling sensitive issues of this nature.
3. Reversal of the employee wanting to leave the charity
The aggrieved employee was no longer dissatisfied with how management had handled the situation and decided to revoke the notice to quit.
“In a really short time, Specialised HR has grasped the issues and challenges faced by our organisation and presented appropriate solutions that have already started to transform the way we think and work. Their employee relations training helped senior managers understand employment and equality law and be clear about how to handle challenging situations. “
– Louise, Head of Campaigns
Safer Recruitment for Charities and Non-Profit Organisations
Helping You Recruit Safely, Responsibly and Confidently
Charities and non-profit organisations often work with children, young people, vulnerable adults and communities who rely on safe and trusted support services. Having robust safer recruitment processes in place is essential to protecting the people you support, safeguarding your organisation’s reputation and meeting your legal responsibilities.
At Specialised HR, we help charities create safer recruitment procedures that are practical, proportionate and tailored to the realities of the third sector.
Whether you recruit employees, volunteers, trustees or sessional workers, we can help you strengthen your recruitment processes and reduce safeguarding risks at every stage of hiring.
What Our Safer Recruitment Support Includes
We provide hands-on HR support to help charities build safer and more consistent recruitment practices, including:
• Safer recruitment policies and procedures
• Recruitment process reviews and audits (free service)
• Safeguarding-focused job descriptions and adverts
• Application and screening processes
• Values-based interview guidance
• Safeguarding interview questions
• DBS and right to work guidance
• Risk assessments for regulated activity roles
• Reference checking procedures
• Volunteer recruitment processes
• Recruitment compliance documentation (inc. a single central record (SCR))
Our approach is designed to help organisations recruit people who not only have the right skills and experience, but who are also suitable to work in positions of trust.
Specialist HR Support for the Charity Sector
Recruitment within the third sector can present unique challenges, particularly where services involve care, support, advocacy, education or community outreach.
We understand the complexities charitable organisations face when recruiting for roles involving safeguarding responsibilities and can support organisations with:
• Recruiting volunteers alongside paid staff
• Balancing inclusive hiring practices with safeguarding obligations
• Managing recruitment within community-based services
• Establishing clear safeguarding expectations during hiring
• Supporting trustees and managers with recruitment responsibilities
Our HR consultants work alongside your organisation to create recruitment processes that support both compliance and compassionate service delivery.
Speak to Us About Safer Recruitment Support
If your charity or non-profit organisation works with vulnerable groups, we can help you strengthen your recruitment procedures and create safer hiring practices across your organisation.
To discuss safer recruitment support and policy development, contact Specialised HR today.
Why Safer Recruitment Matters
Safer recruitment is more than a compliance exercise. It plays a vital role in creating a safe culture across your organisation and reducing the risk of harm to vulnerable individuals.
Strong recruitment processes can help your organisation to:
• Protect children and vulnerable adults
• Reduce safeguarding risks
• Demonstrate good governance and accountability
• Improve recruitment consistency and fairness
• Support safeguarding responsibilities across the organisation
• Build trust with service users, funders and stakeholders
We understand that charitable organisations like charities and CIS’s often need recruitment processes that are both thorough and realistic within limited resources. Our support is designed to be practical, clear and easy to implement.
We work to the following industry standards
Does Your Charity or Non-Profit Organisation Need HR Assistance?
As part of our ongoing efforts to support ethical organisations, we offer up to 1 hour of free advice and guidance*. You can use this time for:
– Taking advice to consider your options and risks with regard to employee issues
– Discuss and review employment documentation, such as contracts of employment, offer letters, HR policies, letters, volunteer documents
– Review your proposed approaches to projects, recruitment and people strategies, organisational change and consider your options
Book a Free 1 Hour Consultation
This free 1-hour of HR consultancy will be provided free of charge by phone, email or via Teams/Google/Zoom by one of our experienced HR consultants. The time may be used in one go or 4 separate 15-minute sessions.
*To qualify, organisations must be: charitable, social enterprise, non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO),trusts, foundations, charitable trusts, community groups, or Community Interest Companies (CICs)
Frequently Asked Questions About Charity and Non-Profit HR
What employment laws specifically affect charities?
Charities must comply with all standard UK employment legislation, but also need to consider additional requirements related to volunteer management, safeguarding regulations (particularly when working with vulnerable individuals), and Charity Commission guidelines. Areas requiring special attention include DBS checking procedures, clear differentiation between employees and volunteers, and compliance with fundraising regulations that may affect staff roles.
How do we manage the boundary between paid staff and volunteers?
Clear documentation is essential for maintaining appropriate boundaries. Volunteers should have specific agreements rather than employment contracts, should be reimbursed for expenses rather than paid for time, and should not be subject to the same control measures as employees. We can help you create proper volunteer agreements that protect both your charity and your volunteers while ensuring compliance with employment law.
What should we do if we receive a complaint about a trustee's behaviour?
Complaints about trustees in charitable trusts and foundations require careful handling due to their governance role. You’ll need a specific procedure for trustee complaints that differs from standard grievance processes, maintains appropriate confidentiality, and considers Charity Commission reporting requirements for serious incidents. We can help you develop appropriate procedures and provide independent support during investigations.
How can we implement performance management in a charity environment?
Effective performance management in charities needs to balance accountability with your values-based approach. We can help you develop systems that align individual objectives with your charitable aims, create constructive feedback mechanisms, and implement improvement plans that uphold your organisation’s ethos while addressing performance concerns.
What are our legal obligations when conducting DBS checks for charity staff and volunteers?
Your obligations depend on the nature of your charity’s work. For roles involving regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults, enhanced DBS checks are legally required. For other roles, you’ll need to determine the appropriate level of checking based on the specific duties. We can help you create a compliant DBS checking policy and process that protects your service users while respecting privacy rights.
How should we handle behavioural issues from employees in a charity setting?
Addressing behavioural issues in charities requires a balanced approach that upholds your values while ensuring appropriate workplace conduct. We recommend clear behavioural expectations linked to your mission, consistent application of policies, and a values-based approach to discipline. Our support includes developing proper procedures, advising on specific cases, and helping with formal processes when necessary.
What documentation do we legally need for our volunteers?
While volunteers don’t require employment contracts, we recommend having:
- Volunteer agreements outlining expectations and commitments
- Clear expense reimbursement policies
- Appropriate role descriptions
- Relevant safeguarding policies
- Health and safety information
- Data protection agreements
We can help you develop these documents in a way that maintains the volunteer relationship while protecting your charity.
How do we manage restructuring or redundancies while upholding our charitable values?
Restructuring in charities brings unique challenges, especially balancing financial necessity with mission-focused values. We provide guidance on conducting legally compliant consultations, using fair selection criteria, considering alternatives to redundancy, and communicating changes compassionately to all stakeholders including service users and donors.
What should we include in our charity's employee handbook?
A charity employee handbook should include standard policies (like disciplinary procedures and sickness absence) alongside charity-specific elements such as:
- Your mission, vision and values
- Safeguarding policies
- Volunteer interaction guidelines
- Fundraising ethics
- Conflict of interest procedures
- Media and communication policies
We can develop comprehensive handbooks tailored to your specific charitable activities.
How can we ensure compliance with both employment law and Charity Commission requirements?
Balancing these obligations requires specialist knowledge. We offer compliance reviews that examine your HR practices against both employment legislation and charity regulations, identifying gaps and providing practical recommendations. Our ongoing support ensures you stay updated as requirements change, minimising risk to your charity’s operations and reputation.
How Healthy Is Your HR? Take Our HR Health Quiz
Your people are at the heart of your organisation, but without a strong HR foundation, even the best teams can run into challenges.
Our HR Health Quiz gives you a quick, insightful snapshot of how well your current HR practices are performing, and where small improvements could make a big impact. You’ll receive a personalised summary highlighting strengths, identifying potential risks, and offering practical guidance on how to strengthen your HR approach.
Why Take the HR Health Quiz?
- Spot gaps before they become problems –Discover whether your policies, processes and people practices are working as effectively as they should.
- Receive tailored recommendations – Your results include clear, actionable suggestions that help you enhance compliance, culture and performance.
- Gain confidence in your HR decisions – Understand where your organisation is on track—and where expert support could bring greater clarity and protection.
- Completely free and confidential – The quiz takes only a few minutes and provides instant insight without any obligation.
A Simple First Step Towards Stronger HR
Whether you’re a growing organisation or simply reviewing your current approach, the HR Health Quiz is an easy way to ensure your HR practices are aligned, up to date and supporting your people effectively. Start the quiz today and get a clearer picture of your HR wellbeing.
How We Helped: A Charity HR Success Story
When a local animal charity came to us with concerns about their volunteer management processes, we worked with them to develop clear boundaries and documentation. The result was a 40% reduction in volunteer turnover and improved compliance with safeguarding regulations.
Key HR Statistics and Challenges in the Charity Sector
Recruitment and Retention
- 54% of charities report difficulties in attracting and retaining staff, even when offering competitive benefits.
- Over half (54%) of charities have vacancies, and 83% of those organisations are struggling to recruit as they try to meet rising demand.
- 24% of all charities report difficulties retaining staff, rising to 36% for larger charities.
- 70% of charity employees have experienced an increased workload due to recruitment challenges, with 24% citing stress and burnout as a result.
Compliance and HR Risks
- Over 80% of trustees in the charity sector have no support from staff or volunteers, increasing the risk of compliance issues.
- HR compliance is a major concern, with charities required to adhere to employment laws, data protection, and sector-specific regulations.
- Reports of serious incidents, including safeguarding and governance issues, continue to rise, with 2,819 incidents reported in a single year—over half related to safeguarding.
- Most whistleblowing reports to the Charity Commission come from employees and ex-employees (55.4%), with a further 18% from volunteers, highlighting ongoing workplace concerns.
Managing Volunteers and Paid Staff
- Nearly 50% of HR teams in charities struggle with succession planning and ensuring effective collaboration between staff and volunteers.
- The unique mix of paid staff and volunteers creates distinct HR challenges, including compliance, management, and engagement.
Volunteer Documents
- Order your volunteer resources, including agreements, safer recruitment procedure, a suite of HR policies (including home-working), and health & safety risk assessments.
Recruitment and Retention
- 54% of charities report difficulties in attracting and retaining staff, even when offering competitive benefits.
- Over half (54%) of charities have vacancies, and 83% of those organisations are struggling to recruit as they try to meet rising demand.
- 24% of all charities report difficulties retaining staff, rising to 36% for larger charities.
- 70% of charity employees have experienced an increased workload due to recruitment challenges, with 24% citing stress and burnout as a result.
Managing Volunteers and Paid Staff
- Nearly 50% of HR teams in charities struggle with succession planning and ensuring effective collaboration between staff and volunteers.
- The unique mix of paid staff and volunteers creates distinct HR challenges, including compliance, management, and engagement.
Compliance and HR Risks
- Over 80% of trustees in the charity sector have no support from staff or volunteers, increasing the risk of compliance issues.
- HR compliance is a major concern, with charities required to adhere to employment laws, data protection, and sector-specific regulations.
- Reports of serious incidents, including safeguarding and governance issues, continue to rise, with 2,819 incidents reported in a single year—over half related to safeguarding.
- Most whistleblowing reports to the Charity Commission come from employees and ex-employees (55.4%), with a further 18% from volunteers, highlighting ongoing workplace concerns.
Volunteer Documents
- Order your volunteer resources, including agreements, safer recruitment procedure, a suite of HR policies (including home-working), and health & safety risk assessments.
How Charities and Non-Profits Benefit from Using an HR Service
- Reduced Risk of Non-Compliance: Professional HR support helps charities navigate complex employment laws and sector regulations, reducing the risk of costly compliance failures and safeguarding incidents.
- Improved Recruitment and Retention: HR services can streamline recruitment processes; help develop attractive employee value propositions and implement effective retention strategies—addressing the sector’s high vacancy and turnover rates.
- Better Management of Volunteers and Staff: Specialist HR support aids in managing the unique dynamics between volunteers and paid employees, ensuring clear policies, fair treatment, and effective collaboration.
- Enhanced Staff Wellbeing: HR providers can introduce wellbeing initiatives, manage workloads, and address burnout, leading to higher engagement and lower absenteeism.
- Fewer Disputes and Complaints: With expert HR guidance, charities can put in place robust procedures for handling grievances and whistleblowing, potentially reducing employment disputes and reputational risks.
“The HR Consultants at Specialised HR have a breadth of HR knowledge and makes understanding our roles and responsibilities easy. Their practical advice has been invaluable. They have been a massive part of the success we have achieved in the last 18 months, and I would highly recommend their services!”
– Chantelle, Business Development Director
Summary Table: Charity and Non-Profit HR Challenges and HR Service Benefits
HR Challenge | Prevalence / Impact | Benefit of HR Service |
Recruitment & retention difficulties | 54% report issues; 24% struggle to retain staff | Streamlined hiring, improved retention |
Managing volunteers alongside paid staff | Nearly 50% struggle with collaboration | Clear policies, better engagement |
HR compliance and legal risks | 80% of trustees lack support; rising incidents | Reduced risk, expert compliance management |
Staff burnout and wellbeing | 70% report increased workload; 24% cite burnout | Wellbeing initiatives, workload management |
Employment disputes and whistleblowing | Rising reports, mostly from staff/volunteers | Robust grievance and whistleblowing procedures |
Charities face significant HR challenges, particularly around recruitment, compliance, and managing a mixed workforce. Engaging a professional HR service can help address these issues, leading to fewer disputes, better staff and volunteer engagement, and greater organisational resilience.
Ready to Strengthen Your Charity’s and Non-Profit’sHR Support?
Free 1 Hour Consultation
Whether you’re dealing with behavioural issues, need guidance on charity-specific employment law, or want to develop HR policies that reflect your non-profit organisation’s values, book a free 1 hour consultation with us and find out how we can use our decades of experience in the charitable sector to be of assistance.