The UK regions where charities are most likely to struggle to recruit staff have been revealed in latest research.

Recruitment problems are most intense in the North East of England, where 54%of charities said they had struggled to hire staff. A quarter of charities in this region also say they are also facing problems retaining staff, the research found.

Other areas with acute recruitment challenges, above the national average of 43% of charities, are North West England, where almost half (48%) are battling to fill posts. Meanwhile in Wales 46% of charities face difficulties.

The findings have emerged in the latest Third Sector Trends in England and Wales report, which is based on more than 6,000 responses and published by University of Durham based St Chad’s College.

It found that the largest charities, with an income of between £1m and £25m are the hardest hit. Almost four in five of these organisations are experiencing recruitment problems, compared to 31% of small charities with an income of between £50,000 and £100,000.

Charities that deliver public services for government departments or councils are also he most severely hit by recruitment challenges, while those which do not rely on this week are less affected, the research found.

Burnout

Burnout following the Covid pandemic and now tackling rising costs and falling income amid the cost-of-living crisis are key factors in the recruitment challenges, said Community Foundation chief executive Rob Williamson.

“We have seen issues of recruitment across many sectors in the UK, the NHS perhaps being the highest profile, but it is clear it is hitting the charitable sector hard too and our communities will suffer,” he said.

“The last three years have seen the sector step up to support the most vulnerable in our communities, first during covid and now the cost-of-living crisis, but they are burnt out and many are leaving.

“With increased costs and reduced funding, organisations aren’t always able to pay high enough wages to attract staff.”

Report author St Chad’s College’s Professor Tony Chapman added: “This is an especially difficult time for many Third Sector organisations with rising inflation, high energy costs and rising demand for services.

“About 40 per cent of Voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises are employers. Many of them are now facing serious problems associated with staff recruitment and retention. The report’s findings indicate that tackling the issue of traditionally low pay in the Third Sector is becoming an urgent priority.”

Separate research, published by IVAR among 32 charity leaders, is calling on funders to do more to help charities to tackle recruitment and retention challenges amid the cost-of-living crisis.

“This sense of exhaustion means that many dedicated people are considering their futures,” this report warns

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