The success of any social sector organisation hinges on its people – its employees, volunteers, and the management teams driving the mission forward.
This is especially true for small charities, which form the backbone of local communities and deliver vital services every day. During #SmallCharityWeek, we celebrate the invaluable contribution of these organisations and highlight the importance of giving them access to the same high-quality HR support as larger bodies.
Yet, ensuring effective people management while navigating complex employment legislation can be a challenge, especially for not-for-profit organisations with limited resources.
This is where HR consulting to support the social sector becomes essential. At Roots HR CIC, we bring specialist expertise in HR for social sector organisations, tailored specifically for the unique demands of the social sector., tailored specifically for the unique demands of the social sector. – its employees, volunteers, and the management teams driving the mission forward. Yet, ensuring effective people management while navigating complex employment legislation can be a challenge, especially for not-for-profit organisations with limited resources. This is where HR consulting to support the social sector becomes essential. At Roots HR CIC, we bring specialist expertise in HR for social sector organisations, tailored specifically for the unique demands of the social sector.
Common HR Challenges in the Social Sector
Social sector organisations, including small charities, often face a range of HR challenges:
- Limited resources and lack of dedicated HR staff
- High staff turnover and volunteer attrition
- Inconsistent or unclear HR processes
- Struggles to remain compliant with employment law
These issues can disrupt service delivery, affect staff morale, and expose organisations to legal risk. This is where the benefits of HR consulting really shine, helping organisations establish sound, efficient, and compliant people practices.
We’re proud to highlight these needs during #SmallCharityWeek, a dedicated week that shines a light on the vital work of small charities across the UK. It celebrates their impact, amplifies their voices, and calls for greater recognition and support.
At Roots HR, we recognise that effective HR support is vital for organisations of all sizes. Small charities in particular can benefit from affordable, expert guidance that helps build resilient teams and sustainable people practices, recognising that effective HR support is vital for organisations of all sizes. Small charities in particular can benefit from affordable, expert guidance that helps build resilient teams and sustainable people practices.
What Does an HR Consultant Do for the Social Sector?
A specialist in HR services for social sector organisations provides a wide range of support, including:
- Creation and review of HR policies
- Advice on employee relations, absence, and performance issues
- Support with recruitment and selection
- HR documentation, including contracts and handbooks
- Support with compliance and regulatory requirements
This guidance is especially valuable for organisations without in-house HR expertise.
Key Benefits of HR Consulting for Social Sector Organisations
Enhances Day-to-Day People Management
Navigating the everyday challenges of people management can be daunting. From handling employee disputes to managing volunteers, each decision can affect your organisation’s operations and legal standing. HR consultants provide real-time, expert advice that empowers your leaders to act confidently and compliantly.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
One of the most common HR challenges is attracting and retaining key staff. Through salary benchmarking and recruitment support, consultants help you remain competitive within budget. This means you can build a stable, committed workforce while minimising recruitment costs.
Minimises People Management Risks
An HR consultant can help you stay aligned with employment laws and reduce the risk of tribunal claims. Services like HR audits and policy reviews identify areas of vulnerability and support you in creating safe, inclusive, and legally compliant work environments.
Supports Organisational Change
When your organisation faces restructuring or change, HR consultants can help manage the process with care and professionalism. Whether it’s change management, redundancy, or TUPE, they ensure transitions are fair and well-handled.
When Should a Social Sector Organisation Consider HR Consulting?
You may need HR consulting for social sector organisations if your organisation is:
- Experiencing rapid growth
- Navigating restructuring or change
- Facing high turnover or burnout
- Dealing with legal or compliance concerns
- Lacking internal HR expertise
Proactive support at the right time can prevent small issues from becoming costly challenges.
How Roots HR Supports Social Sector Organisations
HR Advice and Support
We offer accessible HR guidance for everyday issues like contracts, employee disputes, and absence management. Explore our HR Advice and Support services.
HR Project Management
From complex investigations to restructuring projects, we provide expert support that helps you manage risk and remain compliant. Learn more about our HR Project Management offer.
HR Learning and Development
Beyond day-to-day HR support, we offer tailored learning and development solutions to build the capability of your people managers. From management training to developing effective HR practices, our learning initiatives ensure that your team is not only managing people effectively but doing so in a way that feels “normal” and empowering for all employees. This leads to an inclusive, fair, and motivated workforce, helping you achieve your organisational goals. Read more about our HR Learning and Development services.
Why Choose Roots HR?
The value Roots HR brings to your organisation goes beyond technical expertise. By partnering with us, you can:
- Improve people management: Your managers will feel confident in handling employee and volunteer matters, ensuring smooth operations.
- Minimise risk: Our services help you stay compliant with employment laws, reducing the risk of costly legal disputes.
- Retain key talent: Through salary benchmarking, recruitment support, and ongoing HR advice, we help you attract and retain the people who are critical to your mission.
- Ensure long-term sustainability: Effective people management leads to stability in service delivery and reduced recruitment costs, allowing you to focus more of your resources on your beneficiaries.
- Give back to the sector: By choosing a social enterprise like Roots HR, you are indirectly contributing to the broader social sector through our reinvestment in free HR services.
Get Expert HR Support for Your Organisation
As part of our social impact, Roots HR offers up to 1 hour of free HR Consultancy to social sector organisations.
Use your FREE hour to:
- Take advice and consider options and risks with regard to people management situations
- Discuss and check employment documentation such as contracts of employment, policies, and letters
- Talk through people management challenges at the individual, team, or organisational level
- Check out proposed approaches to projects, initiatives, and change
Get in touch with us to claim your free hour here – Charity HR | Free HR Consultation for Charities | Roots HR
In a sector where people are your most valuable resource, investing in expert HR support is key to sustaining your organisation’s impact. With a deep understanding of the social sector and a commitment to your success, Roots HR is here to help you manage your workforce effectively, legally, and with care.
Get in touch with Roots HR today, and let us help you unlock the full potential of your people, enabling your organisation to thrive in its mission.
