A new community for people building meaningful careers in the charity sector

Over the years, I've had thousands of conversations with people working in charities or trying to move into the sector. Different roles, different levels, different organisations. Yet remarkably, the same themes emerge in almost every conversation.

Someone tells me they feel stuck but can't quite articulate why. Another person is doing genuinely good work but watching colleagues progress while they remain in place. There's the talented professional who wants to move but has no idea how to position themselves effectively. And then there's the one that really strikes me: the person who simply doesn't have anyone impartial to talk things through with.

These aren't isolated issues. They're systemic patterns I see across the charity sector, from frontline fundraisers to senior managers contemplating their first CEO role. The problem isn't a lack of talent or commitment. It's a lack of clarity, structure, and honest guidance at crucial career moments.

That's why I've created the Charity Careers Network powered by Charisma.

More than just another platform

This isn't another generic job board or a noisy LinkedIn group. I hope it will be a practical, supportive community designed to help people take control of their charity career with clarity and confidence.

The Charity Careers Network is a free-to-join online space for people working in the charity sector who are looking to progress, those considering a move into a new role or organisation, professionals thinking about stepping into senior leadership or CEO positions, and anyone exploring whether the charity sector is truly right for them.

Inside the community, you'll find a structured video course that I lead personally, covering everything from CVs and cover letters to LinkedIn profiles, interviews and handling offers. These aren't generic tips you could find anywhere. They're specific insights drawn from years of working directly with charity hiring managers, trustees, and candidates at every level. I know what actually gets noticed, what causes applications to be dismissed, and crucially, what separates a good candidate from an outstanding one.

We hold weekly live webinars where we go deeper and tackle real career challenges together. Some weeks we might dissect a particularly tricky interview scenario. Other weeks we'll workshop how to talk about career gaps, explain why you're leaving your current role, or position yourself for a significant step up. These sessions are interactive, and they're where the real breakthroughs happen, because you're not just learning theory but applying it to your actual situation.

Most importantly, it's a safe, supportive space where you can ask questions, reflect, and learn without judgement. You can share the questions you're genuinely wrestling with, the fears that are holding you back, or the opportunities you're not sure how to approach. The community responds with practical tools and honest insight from someone who sees charity recruitment from every angle.

This is about helping you make better decisions, not rushing you into the next role.

Your privacy matters

I know that many people exploring their next move are doing so quietly. Perhaps you're not ready to announce your intentions publicly, or you're simply testing the waters before making any decisions. You might still be in a role you're committed to but sense that in six months or a year, you'll want options. Or maybe you're just starting to acknowledge that something needs to change, even if you don't know what yet.

That's why the community is designed to feel safe and flexible. You're welcome to use a pseudonym, an avatar or no photo at all, and engage as much or as little as you like. Your email address is never visible to other members. Some people may join and participate actively from day one. Others may observe quietly for months before asking their first question. Both approaches are absolutely fine.

The aim is simple…give you space to think clearly, without pressure, and without compromising your current position or relationships.

Why this matters

I've spent years working with charities and candidates at every level, from entry roles right through to CEOs and trustees. What I've learned is this - most people don't need more motivation. They're already deeply committed to doing meaningful work. They need more clarity.

They need someone to help them spot what's really holding them back, sense-check their thinking, and focus their energy in the right place. Often it's a small shift in how they present their experience, or a reframing of what they think they're qualified for, or simply permission to pursue something they've been talking themselves out of for years.

I've seen brilliant professionals undersell themselves spectacularly because they genuinely don't recognise their own value. I've watched talented people apply for roles they'll never get because they haven't understood what the organisation actually needs. And I've had countless conversations with people who could have avoided months of frustration if they'd just had someone to help them think it through earlier.

That's exactly what this community is for. It's the resource I wish had existed for every person I've spoken to over the years who was navigating their charity career essentially alone.

Join us

The Charity Careers Network officially launches today, Monday 5 January 2026, and you're very welcome to join. You can sign up here: 👉 https://careers-network.mn.co/landing/

If you're feeling unsure, curious, or simply want to approach your career with more intention this year, I'd love to have you in the community. There's no obligation, no pressure, and no cost. Just a space where you can think more clearly about what comes next, with support from someone who understands the sector and wants to see you succeed.