Bobath Centre

Specialist Fundraising Hire to Strengthen Individual Giving at a National Charity

In a competitive environment, where finding and hiring new employees is challenging for the third sector it is important to have reliable recruitment partners with experience in the industry. This is crucial to attract high-quality candidates and enable organisations to meet their business needs.

In 2023, 79% of charities reported an increase in demand for their support and due to recruitment challenges. 52% of those charities also reported they were delaying the development of new services due to lack of funding and headcount

To ensure organisations can continue creating a positive change, securing financial resources are vital. With that in mind, there is an increasing need for Fundraising professionals. This skillset needs trusts and grants specialists, who play a vital role in securing these funds. These professionals are adept at identifying funding opportunities, cultivating relationships with donors, and crafting compelling proposals to secure grants and donations. Their expertise means organisations have the necessary funds to deliver impactful programs, expand their reach, and effectively address societal challenges. The contributions of Trusts and Grants professionals are instrumental in sustaining the operations and growth of not-for-profits, enabling them to make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.

Our Client

The Bobath Centre is a national charity that supports those living with cerebral palsy (CP). Their dedicated team empower individuals of all ages living with CP to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives. Their National Training Centre shares their knowledge and skills with therapists, equipping them with the tools to make a positive impact on the lives of those with CP. With an increasing need to grow brand awareness and develop relationships with new donors, The Bobath Centre required support in sourcing quality candidates to support their key fundraising function.

The Brief

The National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre approached Merrifield Consultants with a need to place their Trusts and Grants Facilitator role. The location restrictions imposed by the client meant the brief was not an easy one, limiting the search radius to 15 miles around North-West London.

Initially, the role was with another recruiter., Merrifield Consultants, recognising the challenges, approached the CEO of the Bobath Centre with a strategic plan. This personal connection, coupled with the team’s commitment, resulted in an exclusive partnership. With a track record of working with over 130 not-for-profit organisations and placing over 66 candidates in Fundraising positions, the organisation knew they were in capable hands. The Trusts and Grants Facilitator role was a high priority for the organisation, due to the urgency. They needed to replace a part-time position with a full-time role, ensuring the Fundraising function’s efficiency was not impacted.

The Solution

Honesty played a pivotal role in building trust between Merrifield Consultants and the National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre. Despite the client’s initial resistance to expanding the search location, our consultants advised that the right candidate might not be found within the specified radius. The decision to extend the search area proved crucial, leading to the successful placement of a candidate willing to travel.

The consultant’s approach, driven by a connection to Cerebral Palsy, set the tone for the partnership. This personal investment, combined with a consultative approach, was instrumental in convincing the client to consider candidates beyond the immediate location. A total of 5 candidates were shortlisted, with the chosen candidate demonstrating flexibility and a strong skill set.

The Result

The Trusts and Grants Officer role was successfully filled,, breaking a pattern of long-standing recruitment challenges. The candidate, willing to travel and with the right skill set, was offered a higher salary after two meetings with the client.

Post-placement, our consultants attended the organisation’s events, solidifying the foundation of the partnership. The Trusts and Grants Officer is thriving in their role, passionate about their job, and the client is pleased with the outcome. The success of this collaboration is reflected in the client’s testimonial, emphasising the trust and confidence built throughout the recruitment process.

The National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre case study exemplifies how our honest, personal, inclusive, and consultative approach met the organisations recruitment needs. The successful placement of the Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser within the business addressed immediate staffing needs, but also established a strong and trusting partnership between the client and our team at Merrifield Consultants.