Tempest’s Charity Division: Purpose -Led Recruitment for the UK Charity Sector
The UK charity sector is facing one of the most challenging recruitment periods in its history. Demand for services is rising, budgets are tightening, and teams across the country are stretched to their limits. In September, we officially launched Tempest’s Charity Division. A team dedicated exclusively to supporting this vital sector with honest, value-driven, people-centred recruitment.
Led by an experienced specialist with over 22 years in charity recruitment, our new division reflects Tempest’s mission: to pair the right person with the right role, every single time, while staying true to our community-led, people-first approach.
The Recruitment Pressures Shaping Charities in 2025
After two decades working in this field, our Charity Division Lead has seen the sector evolve dramatically, but the challenges charities face today are unlike any before.
1. Salary Competition
Three in four charities now say salary competition is damaging their ability to recruit. The gap between nonprofit pay and the private sector continues to widen, with tech and corporate organisations able to offer 30–50% more for similar roles.
For smaller charities, those operating under £5m, this gap is even more pronounced. Many simply cannot compete, and as a result:
- Roles stay unfilled
- Existing staff take on extra pressure
- Burnout increases
Behind these statistics is a stark reality: 22% of charity workers live in households unable to afford basic essentials.
2. Burnout Across the Sector
95% of charity leaders report being worried about burnout. When vacancies remain open and funding is uncertain, workloads rise and wellbeing naturally declines. Staff are passionate, but passion alone cannot sustain unmanageable pressure.
3. Skills Gaps Holding Organisations Back
Training budgets have been reduced year on year, and it shows. Charities face shortages in:
- Digital and data skills
- AI capability
- Fundraising and grant writing
- Technical roles
Only 52% of small charities have dedicated training budgets compared to 86% of larger ones. This creates a two-tier talent landscape that disadvantages the organisations doing some of the most important community work.
To help address this, we are partnering with a consultant who offers free 2-hour training sessions for teams, covering skills development and gap analysis. We will also be hosting a roundtable with CEOs and Trustees focused on staff retention and upskilling, ideally timed for early 2026 when organisations are planning their new-year strategies.
4. Funding Uncertainty
Nearly 30% of charities affected by government funding delays or cuts have reduced staff numbers. Even organisations not directly reliant on government income feel the ripple effects as trust and foundation funding becomes increasingly competitive.
5. AI-Generated CVs Creating New Problems
AI is transforming recruitment, but not always for the better. We’re seeing an increase in:
- CVs that look polished but exaggerate capability
- Candidates who interview well on paper but cannot deliver in role
- Charities spending time and money interviewing applicants who were never suitable
This is especially damaging for organisations attempting direct recruitment to save budget, only to end up restarting the process and doubling the cost.
6. Gen Z Expectations Redefining Work
With Gen Z projected to make up 30% of the workforce in 2025, charities need to adapt to expectations around:
- Work-life balance
- Flexibility
- Wellbeing
- Purpose and progression
Charities that modernise their working models will have a major advantage in attracting and retaining this emerging talent group.
How Tempest’s Charity Division Works
Our approach is grounded in the values that define Tempest — always personal, community-first, and focused on building genuine, long-term relationships.
We take time to understand your mission.
Charities are not transactional organisations — and we’re not a transactional recruiter. We listen, we learn, and we partner with you to understand your challenges, culture, and ambitions.
We match candidates on values, not just skills.
We ask the questions that matter: Why do you want to work for this cause? What drives you? What does purpose mean to you?
We provide genuine market intelligence.
With 22 years’ specialist experience, our division offers insight into sector trends, candidate expectations, salary benchmarks, and workforce planning around key awareness campaigns.
We prioritise long-term relationships.
Many candidates and clients return to us years later, simply because of how they were treated. Empathy and care are central to our reputation and they’re central to our new division.
What We Look for in Candidates
The right fit in the charity sector goes beyond capability.
We look for:
- Alignment with mission and values
- Authentic motivation for working in the sector
- Cultural fit
- Integrity and compassion
These qualities lead to placements that last and help charities thrive.
Our Vision for the Next 12–24 Months
We are building a dedicated, passionate team to support charities across the UK with fast, reliable, high-quality recruitment solutions.
Our ambition is clear: to become the go-to agency for charity temporary recruitment, offering a responsive service that understands the sector’s unique pressures.
We will continue to grow through referrals, reputation, and long-term partnerships because when you treat people well, they return.
A Personal Reason Behind the Mission
Growing up in South Africa, where charitable giving is less common, our division lead developed a deep respect for the impact UK charities have on communities. Over the years, she has learned that this sector teaches you integrity, empathy, and perspective, values that sit at the heart of Tempest’s mission.
A New Chapter for Tempest
Launching our Charity Division is more than an expansion, it’s a commitment. A commitment to the organisations making a real difference every day, and to the people who drive that impact forward.
Charities transform lives. We’re here to make sure they have the people they need to continue doing exactly that.
If your organisation is facing recruitment pressure or planning ahead for 2025, we’d love to talk. Our Charity Division is here to support you with honest advice, market insight, and people who genuinely care. Contact us today.
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