With increased pressure on finances, demand for services outstripping capacity, and the need to innovate and transform operations, charities need the right people now more than ever. Yet the cost of employing staff has risen. The Budget included a 1.2 per cent increase in employer NI contributions and a lowering of the pay threshold. NCVO estimates this move could cost the charity sector £1.4bn a year. A survey by the Charity Finance Group suggests that more than two-thirds of charities are likely to consider staff reductions. This aligns with a recent Russam survey, which found that 70% of charities expect to recruit fewer permanent staff next year.

Engaging an interim manager can provide charities with several benefits in addressing their challenges:

1. Specialised Expertise
   Interim managers bring specialist skills and experience in areas such as financial recovery, digital transformation, fundraising, organisational development, and operational restructuring.
2. Cost-Effective Leadership
   Hiring an interim manager is a short-term, flexible solution that avoids the long-term commitment and costs associated with permanent hires. It isn’t as expensive as people often think.
3. Crisis Management
   Interim managers are adept at steering organisations through challenging periods, such as economic downturns, staff turnover, or surges in service demand.
4. Programme & Project Management
   Interim managers are often used to run specific projects such as strategic reviews, implementing systems, or real estate audits.

Interim managers hit the ground running, provide immediate solutions and leadership at critical times, and offer an objective perspective, enabling them to make tough decisions quickly. Many work part-time and sometimes they will go permanent.

Russam is the longest-established interim management provider in the UK and, for over 40 years, has been helping charities when they need it most. As leaders in providing interim managers to charities, and an impact focussed B Corporation, we often make the difference between an organisation thriving or barely surviving. With an interim talent pool of c.25,000, we are well placed to identify the talent you need.

If you would like to have a conversation with us about how we might help your charity, contact hq@russam.co.uk

Russam – Enabling organisations and individuals to thrive through interim management and executive search. https://russam.co.uk/services/interim-management/