When Richard House Children's Hospice came to us, they needed someone yesterday. The charity, which provides care and respite for children with life-limiting conditions and support for their families, relies entirely on public generosity to keep its doors open. Without a strong fundraising lead, that generosity risks going uncultivated. The pressure was real, and the stakes could not have been higher.

They needed an Interim Director of Fundraising who could walk in on day one and immediately provide both operational support and strategic direction. No lengthy handover. No settling-in period. Just capability, clarity, and calm under pressure.

A swift and targeted search

We got to work quickly. From an initial assessment of 28 candidates, we long-listed 14 and fast-tracked 10 into quick-fire interviews, reflecting the urgency of the brief. This was not a process where we could afford to slow down, but we were equally clear that speed should never come at the cost of quality.

Two candidates were invited back for more detailed second-stage discussions, and from there, the right appointment was made. The whole process was focused, efficient, and designed around what Richard House actually needed, not a generic recruitment template.

The right person at the right moment

The appointed candidate brought exactly what the charity required: a steady hand and a clear vision during a critical period. As Interim Director of Fundraising, they were tasked with strengthening income generation across multiple streams, from trusts and major donors through to community and corporate partnerships.

Equally important was the human side of the role. Stepping into an interim position at a children's hospice demands more than fundraising expertise. It requires sensitivity, the ability to connect with a team quickly, and the drive to build momentum without disrupting the culture that already exists. Our appointed candidate brought all of this.

Building a stronger team around them

Good recruitment rarely stops at one hire, and this was a fine example of that. As a direct result of our work with Richard House, Charisma also supported the charity to recruit a Supporter Care Officer and an Events Manager. With these additional appointments in place, the fundraising team was fully equipped to push forward with renewed energy and purpose.

It was genuinely satisfying to see the pieces come together. Three well-matched hires, each playing a distinct role in helping the charity sustain and grow the income it depends on.

Why interim recruitment demands a specialist

Interim roles carry a particular kind of pressure. There is rarely time for an extended search, and the cost of a wrong appointment is felt almost immediately. That is why having a recruitment partner who understands the charity sector, who knows the talent pool and can move at pace without cutting corners, makes such a difference.

At Charisma, we have spent years building relationships with senior fundraising professionals who are ready to step into interim roles and make an impact from day one. We understand what good looks like in this space, and we know how to find it quickly.

"These campaigns demonstrated Charisma's ability to respond quickly and effectively, securing candidates who could make a tangible difference from day one."

Ready to find your next fundraising leader?

Whether you need an interim appointment to stabilise your team or a permanent hire to take your fundraising to the next level, we would love to help. Get in touch with the Charisma team and let us take the pressure off.

Contact us about your fundraising and/or interim recruitment needs