There’s no getting around it, the job market is tough right now. Many skilled, committed professionals are finding that roles are taking longer to secure, competition feels intense, and the process itself can be draining. That can be incredibly frustrating.
While it doesn’t take away the challenge, this period can also be a valuable opportunity to pause and invest in your professional development. Strengthening your skills, updating your knowledge and staying close to changes in your sector can help you feel more confident, maintain momentum, and be better prepared when the right role comes along.
For those working in HR, leadership, governance or the charity sector more broadly, it’s particularly important to stay up to date with:
Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can demonstrate curiosity, credibility and practical understanding — not just in theory, but in how these issues play out day to day.
The good news is there’s a wealth of high‑quality, free learning and development available. Below is a curated list covering general professional development and charity‑specific learning, with direct links to sign up.
Please note: the resources below are shared for information only. We don’t have any formal relationship or endorsement with the organisations listed, and we recommend doing your own research to make sure a course or provider is right for you.
Free learning and development (open to everyone)
Employment law, HR and people management (UK‑focused)
ACAS – free e‑learning and webinars
Practical, UK‑relevant courses covering employment law, disciplinaries and grievances, equality, managing conflict and change.
https://www.acas.org.uk/online-training
CIPD – free knowledge hub and webinars
Factsheets, research, podcasts and webinars on employment law updates, EDI, wellbeing, leadership and people strategy.
https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/
AI, digital skills and the future of work
Elements of AI (University of Helsinki)
One of the most widely recognised free introductions to AI, designed for non‑technical professionals.
https://www.elementsofai.com/
OpenLearn – The Open University
Free UK‑based courses on AI, leadership, employment law, ethics, digital skills and management.
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses
Google Digital Garage
Free courses on digital skills, productivity, AI basics and career development, with certificates.
https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage
Free learning specifically for the charity sector
Charity leadership, governance and strategy
NCVO – free training, events and guidance
A core resource for the sector, covering leadership, governance, people management, impact and strategy.
https://www.ncvo.org.uk/training-events/
https://www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-guidance/
Charity Commission – guidance and webinars
Essential for trustees, senior leaders and those working in governance or compliance.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
Learning and development for charity professionals
Charity Learning Consortium – free open courses
Free learning on safeguarding, wellbeing, EDI, leadership and management in charities.
https://charitylearning.org/free-learning/
NPC (New Philanthropy Capital)
Excellent free thinking on impact, strategy, systems change and leadership.
https://www.thinknpc.org/resource-hub/
HR, people management and safeguarding in charities
Thirtyone:eight – safeguarding resources
Leading safeguarding charity with free guidance and webinars used across the sector.
https://thirtyoneeight.org/help-and-resources/knowledge-hub/
Digital, data and AI for charities
CAST – Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology
Free learning and support to help charities use digital and AI responsibly and effectively.
https://wearecast.org.uk/resources/
Google for Nonprofits
Free tools and learning resources tailored for charities.
https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
Wellbeing, resilience and confidence while job hunting
Mind – workplace wellbeing resources
Support and advice particularly relevant to people navigating uncertainty.
https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/
Prospects – career planning and job search support
Free tools for CVs, applications, interviews and career direction.
https://www.prospects.ac.uk
A final thought
Charity and values‑led employers understand how challenging the market is at the moment. What often stands out, though, are candidates who can show they’ve stayed engaged, kept learning and used this time well – particularly around legislation, safeguarding, leadership and digital confidence.
Even small steps count. Being able to say “I’ve kept myself current and used this time to strengthen my understanding of the sector” can make a real difference.
As always, any of our consultants are here to support you at any stage of your journey – whether that’s talking through your next move, sense‑checking applications, or thinking about how to position your experience and learning.
