The majority of people who responded to the Charity Excellence Framework report say their salaries have not kept pace with inflation.
There were 150 respondents from the sector, and they were asked to rate their responses to a number of questions.
When asked if their salary kept pace with inflation, more than a quarter of respondents marked one out of 10 – which the Framework says shows they think this “extremely strongly”.
It adds “almost all staff feel their salary has not kept pace with inflation”, noting the “average national pay increases appear to be already above the maximum pay increases in the charity sector”.
In accompanying qualitative data, respondents often cited salary reviews and more benefits for staff as things charities should do to improve employee wellbeing.
One respondent wrote: “Pay the right salary level to retain excellent staff.”
In the survey, professionals working for larger charities were over represented while micro charities with an income of under £10,000 were underrepresented.
Two thirds extremely passionate about their charity’s cause
However, 66% of respondents were extremely passionate about its charity’s cause, rating this 10 out of 10.
More than 40% rated ‘I find my role interesting and enjoy my work’ as 10 out of 10, with less than 10% rating it five or lower.
Lots of respondents reported making a difference to beneficiaries’ lives as one of the most valuable parts of their job.
One survey respondent said: “What we do makes a difference and fills the gaps where the government are failing.”
1 in 10 do not expect to be at current workplace a year from now
Over half of the survey respondents rated “I expect to still be working for my charity more than a year from now” very positively, with a nine or 10 out of 10.
However, more than 25% rated it five or less. Almost 10% rated this one out of 10, which the Framework says implies they do not expect to be working at their current charity a year from now.
In terms of seeing the charity sector as a long-term career choice, 50% rated this 10 out of 10. Nearly 10% rated it one out of 10.
36% say their charity has robust policies on bullying
Over a third (36%) of respondents rated “the charity has robust policies on bullying and other unacceptable behaviour” extremely strongly with 10 out of 10.
However, a quarter gave scores of five or less. Almost half felt management ensured no one was discriminated against with a rating of 10 out of 10, but 10% scored this a five or lower.
Related articles
