Blog
How are communications teams in membership organisations influencing and impacting member retention?
Towards the end of last year, I conducted research into how communications teams in membership organisations are influencing/ impacting member retention. Effective member retention is a crucial component of any organisation’s long-term success. A key driver in ensuring that members remain engaged, satisfied, and committed is strategic communication. The communications team plays a central role…
Read MoreSisterhood in the Charity Sector | International Women’s Day
In the charity sector, women make up the majority of the workforce—leading, fundraising, advocating, and delivering life-changing services. But beyond the roles they hold, it’s the way women mentor, support, and uplift each other that truly strengthens the sector. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the power of mentorship, empowerment, and workplace support for women…
Read MoreThe Importance of Providing Candidate Feedback for Temporary Workers in the Not-for-Profit Sector
At Merrifield Consultants, we’ve noticed a concerning trend—fewer not-for-profit (NFP) organisations are providing constructive feedback to temporary workers post-interview. While we understand the fast-paced nature of temp hiring in the charity sector, taking the time to offer meaningful feedback is not just a courtesy; it plays a crucial role in a candidate’s professional development and…
Read MoreWhat Happens When a Business Wants to Fundraise for a Charity? A Personal Reflection on Response Rates
Having spent years recruiting for the charity sector, I understand the incredible work that fundraisers do, often with limited resources and tight deadlines. I know how demanding their roles are, how they juggle multiple priorities, and how every day feels like a balancing act between stewarding donors, managing campaigns, and finding new opportunities for income.…
Read MoreReflections on 2024: Membership Recruitment Challenges and the Role of Temporary Support in 2025
2024 has been a challenging year for everyone, and the not-for-profit sector has felt the strain in unique ways. Restructures have been a recurring theme, with many organisations needing to make difficult decisions, including redundancies. The knock-on effects of these restructures are already becoming clear, and we anticipate an increase in temporary support roles in…
Read More2024 Takeaway for Marketing and Communications in NFP Sector
The Not-for-Profit market has been undeniably challenging, this year’s trends reflect a sector in flux, responding to external pressures such as advances in technology, and the cost demands that comes along with recruiting top talent for organisations. There are several factors that have influenced the NFP marketing in 2024, below will highlight how these trends…
Read More2024 Takeaway for Temporary Recruitment in the NFP Sector
As a recruitment professional specialising in temporary roles within the UK charity market, 2024 has been a year of reflection and adaptation. Observing the shifts in hiring practices and the evolving needs of the Not-for-Profit (NFP) sector has been both challenging and insightful. These trends have been shaped by the unique financial pressures facing organisations,…
Read More2024 Takeaways and 2025 Anticipations for Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy in Charities
As we close 2024 and prepare for the year ahead, the landscape of high-value fundraising in the charity sector has seen a marked shift. Trusts and foundations, once the cornerstone of many charities’ income strategies, are proving less reliable due to early application closures, fewer available opportunities, and an increasingly competitive application process. Consequently, charities…
Read MoreReflections on 2024: Regional Fundraising Recruitment
As a specialist in regional fundraising recruitment, focusing on roles outside of London, the key takeaway for 2024 has been the central role money has played in decision-making. With the economy presenting significant challenges, many fundraising professionals are prioritising higher salaries as the rising cost of living continues to bite. At the same time, charities…
Read MoreKey Lessons from 2024: Trusts and Foundations Fundraising in Charities
The Trusts and Foundations fundraising sector faced significant hurdles in 2024, reflecting the broader challenges charities encountered in securing vital income streams. Competition for grant funding intensified, driven by increased demand for support from funders whose resources were often stretched thinner than ever. Charities found themselves navigating a highly competitive environment, requiring not only compelling…
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