Temporary and interim recruitment helps charities and not-for-profits stay agile in a fast-changing environment. As part of our ‘The People Behind the Placements’ series, we spoke with Jess, a Recruitment Consultant on our Temporary Recruitment Team, about her day-to-day work supporting organisations with urgent recruitment needs and the impact short-term placements can make.
Read on as she shares what a typical day looks like, the trends shaping temporary recruitment, and why this work matters so much to charities and social impact organisations.
1. Tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like for you
As a Recruitment Consultant on the Temporary Team, my role is to help charities and not-for-profit organisations find temporary or interim support, whether that’s for three days or three months, at assistant or managerial level. Our goal is simple: to deliver the best talent as quickly as possible.
Alongside supporting our existing clients, I also enjoy building relationships with new organisations and learning about the latest developments in the sector.
There’s no such thing as a “typical” day in temporary recruitment! The fast-paced nature of the work means every day brings something different. From sourcing exceptional candidates to supporting those already placed, we handle everything from holiday pay and timesheet queries to CV advice and interview preparation.
2. What do you enjoy most about the work you do on the Temporary and Interim Recruitment Team?
I love the variety that comes with short-turnaround roles and the sense of making an immediate impact. Whether it’s helping a client secure emergency cover before a critical gap affects operations or supporting a candidate who’s been out of work to find their next opportunity, it’s incredibly rewarding to know we’re making a difference.
3. What trends or challenges are you seeing in the temporary recruitment market right now?
One clear trend is the growing demand for flexible working among candidates, coupled with organisations becoming more open to offering flexibility, even for temporary roles.
Across the wider charity recruitment landscape, the use of AI is a hot topic. There’s ongoing debate about whether using AI in shortlisting is ethical and whether candidates using AI for applications is “cheating.” Personally, I believe AI can be a helpful tool when used responsibly, but it should never replace human judgment or authenticity.
Financial pressures are another challenge. Many organisations are restructuring, creating a candidate-heavy market. Unfortunately, we’re also seeing some not-for-profit organisations underfunded and understaffed, which limits opportunities and adds pressure to the sector.
4. Are there particular roles or skill sets in high demand for temporary charity jobs?
Strong administrative skills are always valuable because they’re highly transferable across roles. However, the most sought-after quality is adaptability; the ability to hit the ground running. Temporary roles often arise from an urgent need, so there’s rarely time for extensive training. While onboarding is important, candidates who can quickly adjust and deliver are in high demand.
5. How do you think temporary and interim recruitment can make a real difference for charities and social impact organisations?
Temporary and interim recruitment offers a cost-effective, time-saving solution for organisations under pressure. By handling Right to Work checks, references, and payroll, we take the administrative burden off HR teams, allowing them to focus on strategic priorities. It’s a practical way to maintain continuity and keep services running smoothly.
6. What’s been the most meaningful placement you’ve worked on?
It’s hard to choose just one! I’ve had the privilege of supporting incredible charities and not-for-profit organisations that are inspiring, and causes close to my own heart. Mental health and children’s charities like Mind, Anna Freud, ThinkAhead, and Thrive at Five, to leading higher education institutions such as London Business School, King’s College London, and the Royal College of Art (just to name a few!)
I believe every successful placement makes an impact, especially when clients come to us needing urgent support. Knowing we’ve helped them continue their vital work is always meaningful.
7. What motivates you about working in this space?
What drives me is knowing that, while I’m not directly supporting service users, our work helps organisations continue to deliver their life-changing services. Connecting them with outstanding people means they can progress their mission and create real impact, and that’s incredibly motivating.
8. What advice would you give to organisations looking to build flexibility into their teams through temporary or interim staff?
Consider temporary or interim staff as a strategic solution. They can provide immediate support during busy periods, cover unexpected absences, or bridge the gap while you recruit for a permanent role. It’s a flexible, efficient way to keep your organisation moving forward without compromising on quality.
But my top tip is: don’t be afraid to use a recruiter; just make sure it’s Prospectus!
Ready to attract the right temporary talent for your organisation? Get in touch with the team today.
