The end of the year is a much-needed pause and a time to reflect on all that has been achieved in the prior 12 months. It is quite incredible when you look back and take stock and I welcome this time of reflection to acknowledge and express gratitude for the obstacles we’ve overcome and the strides we’ve made forward. We’ve added new clients, and two new team members, as well as successfully placing candidates across the charity and not-for-profit sector.

Let's take a look back at 2023 for Charisma.

Rebrand

Our old brand wasn't showing who we are as a business, we needed to refresh to make it appealing and fit for purpose in 2023. We're a modern, personable, and professional organisation delivering highly exceptional recruitment services.

We partner with organisations to shape their recruitment processes to ensure that they are effective, resilient, and robust. We work with candidates to help them shape their careers, next steps, and progression in the sector.

Supporting the sector across 2024

We were delighted to sponsor four Lucidity events across the year, wanting to give back to a network that supports many individuals working in the sector to build confidence and manage change.

We became a business partner of Winchester Cathedral at the start of the year, giving back to the city in which we were founded. 

In the middle of the year we presented a workshop on 'building the best team' at the Donorfy conference.

Sandra and Adam have attended four Job Fair events by Black on Board, sharing trustee roles we are working on and offering pro bono support and advice to candidates seeking trustee positions.

It was brilliant to sponsor the Charity Staff Member of the Year at The Air Ambulance UK 2023 Awards of Excellence in November, with Natialie Church from Magpas Air Ambulance winning the award.

In November we also marked Trustees Week. We attended the Festival of Trusteeship event hosted by Getting on Board. Charisma continues to support its endeavour by supporting its Trustee learning Programme.

Welcome new team members

At the start of the year we welcome back Lou Portnall to the team, but in a completely new role to that which she’d left a couple of years previously.  Lou joined us in February as a Recruitment Consultant and has hit the ground running, supporting organisations across the sector on a range of varied roles. 

Later in the year, my prayers were answered when Nick Thomas joined the Charisma team. Nick brought with him over 15 years of experience working in the charity sector alongside experience in recruitment and Human Resources qualifications. His addition to the team and faith-based background have enabled us to enrich our support of Christian organisations.

We were also sad to see Polly Mahoney leave us in October after a couple of years here at Charisma – Polly joined us during a period of significant change and growth, helping us to ensure our candidate journey was perfect every time. We wish you well Polly in your house move and new role!

Placements made in 2023

We have placed candidates in a variety of organisations right across the non-profit space:

• Trustees
• CEOs
• Directors
• Fundraisers
• Finance professionals
• Marketeers
• HR teams
• Programme and project delivery
• Operations

We even supported the Government of South Georgia and Sandwich Islands to place a Government Officer in South Georgia - just 950+ miles off the Falklands a few days by vessel to get there!

Sectors we have supported

Building a team that draws from a range of sectors and organisations with relevant experience has always been a core focus for Charisma. We continued to add to that breadth of knowledge in 2023 by expanding the team.

We support across a wide range of sectors but have been particularly delighted to grow our expertise and work in faith, health and heritage.

What’s ahead for 2024

Following our rebrand earlier in the year, our new website launched this month to compliment the new branding. Alongside our new CRM and application tracking system this sets the foundations for a successful year ahead. 

Finally, and most importantly, we want to thank the incredible clients and candidates we have worked with in the last 12 months. 

I feel blessed and thankful for such an incredible team that go over and above every single day.

On behalf of the Charisma team, I would like to wish you and your families a very happy, healthy, and peaceful Christmas.