CharityComms

Three tips for setting healthy boundaries as a freelancer, in individual green boxes. Three tips read: 1. Decide your boundaries – Think about your ideal workweek and how many clients you can realistically take on. 2. Write them down – Put them in positive terms and keep the list visible to remind yourself of what you need each day. 3. Communicate with clients upfront – Share your hours and limits at the start of each project to avoid confusion.

Two more tips for setting healthy boundaries as a freelancer and question to share what boundaries work for you, in individual green boxes. They read: 4. Find accountability – Connect with peers or a freelance community to help you stay consistent. 5. Learn and adjust – Boundaries will evolve, take note of what works and what doesn’t and tweak over time. Question: What boundaries work for you a freelancer? Let us know in the comments.

Are you a freelancer who always says yes and is caught up in a whirlwind of deadlines? In this blog, Matt Chittock discusses the importance of setting healthy boundaries as a charity freelancer and how to stick to them: https://bit.ly/4ouoiRc

Thanks for sharing!

Speaker card for our conference on AI skills for charity communicators, with a vibrant blue and turquoise background with white and yellow digital network points. A green neon circle features a headshot of Matt Haworth, and below are two blue and white buttons with text reading: Level up your AI skills. To the left are a series of banners that read: Make AI work harder: what it can (actually) do for charity marketing and comms teams, Matt Haworth, co-founder of Reason Digital. Along with event information 13 November 2025. 10:00 - 15:35. Online. #CharityAI.

Speaker card for our conference on AI skills for charity communicators, with a vibrant blue and turquoise background with white and yellow digital network points. A green neon circle features a headshot of Adam Baker, and below are two blue and white buttons with text reading: Level up your AI skills. To the left are a series of banners that read: Developing your AI policy through a comms lens, Adam Baker, deputy director of communications & supporter engagement at Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance. Along with event information 13 November 2025. 10:00 - 15:35. Online. #CharityAI.

Speaker card for our conference on AI skills for charity communicators, with a vibrant blue and turquoise background with white and yellow digital network points. A green neon circle features a headshot of David Scurr, and below are two blue and white buttons with text reading: Level up your AI skills. To the left are a series of banners that read: Making the leap into AI with a test and learn mindset, David Scurr, programme and partnerships lead at CAST. Along with event information 13 November 2025. 10:00 - 15:35. Online. #CharityAI.

Speaker card for our conference on AI skills for charity communicators, with a vibrant blue and turquoise background with white and yellow digital network points. A green neon circle features a headshot of Nick Scott, and below are two blue and white buttons with text reading: Level up your AI skills. To the left are a series of banners that read: Getting the most out of AI by thinking in systems, Nick Scott, digital and AI strategist. Along with event information 13 November 2025. 10:00 - 15:35. Online. #CharityAI.

Looking for a clear strategy to make AI work for your team? At #CharityAI conference (13 Nov), we’ll explore practical ways to test, scale, and integrate AI across workflows, create comms-focused policies, and keep human creativity at the heart. Book your place: https://bit.ly/3JtmXed

Different ways growth can show up in charity comms, including: 1. Expanding your skills - learning new strategies, leading on a project or campaign, or specialising in a particular area of comms to broaden your expertise. 2. Building your credibility - becoming a trusted voice, providing guidance to colleagues, and influencing decisions that shape your organisation’s work.

Different ways growth can show up in charity comms, including: 3. Deepening your impact - focusing your energy on the work that drives change for your charity and demonstrating the value of comms in action. 4. Strengthening your connections - building meaningful relationships across teams, partners and peers that encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and shared success.

Different ways growth can show up in charity comms, including: 5. Innovating and experimenting - trying new ideas, learning from successes and failures, and improving your approach over time. 6. Developing personally - stepping out of your comfort zone, growing confidence and understanding your strengths to apply them for greater impact.

In charity comms,  growth often doesn't follow a straight line. Teams can be small, resources are stretched, and you often wear multiple hats. Even so, growth is happening – it might just look a little different.

What’s one area where you’ve grown recently that might not show up in your job title?

PR Network: PR Plans: crafting winning strategies This event is free and exclusive to CharityComms members. CharityComms’ PR Network is for those working in PR and media in UK charities and not-for-profits.

Looking to make your PR more strategic? Join us on 20 November for our #CharityPR event on crafting winning PR strategies - we have two incredible talks lined up from speakers at The Sleep Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support. Free for CharityComms members, book your place: https://bit.ly/4nTAlY4

Of course - such wonderful tips!

Blue background with an image of a mentor helping a mentee. Text reads: CharityComms Mentoring Scheme. Become a mentor and inspire others by sharing your experiences.

Are you an experienced comms professional looking to take your career to the next level? Help shape the next generation of charity communicators by becoming a mentor! Take a look at our mentoring scheme to find out how you could sign up to become a mentor: https://bit.ly/43UWGxf

#MembershipMonday

The case for plain English: are charities taking it seriously enough? Dominic Murphy writes on the ethical case for using plain English and what we should consider in making our communications more inclusive.

If you’re looking for more insights on the importance of plain English, check out our blog with Dominic Murphy from our knowledge hub: bit.ly/4h7P1R6

Five tips for writing clearly, including: 1. Lead with the main message. 2. Choose everyday words over technical terms. 3. Keep sentences short. 4. Break up test with headings and bullets. 5. Remove anything that doesn't add meaning.

Complex language can create barriers for people with different reading abilities, non-native English speakers, or anyone scanning content. Clear, simple language helps your audience understand and act on your message.

Here are tips for writing clearly from @mediatrust.bsky.social: bit.ly/4q7Afhx

Charity Digital is running their first-ever Charity Digital Skills Survey to find out what’s working, what isn’t, and where they can support the development of better digital services for the sector.  

It only takes five minutes. Complete the survey here: https://bit.ly/3WuYUiF  

Special thanks for our sponsors @reasondigital.bsky.social, @pixeled-eggs.bsky.social, and YoYo Design.

Just under a month to go until our #CharityAI Conference on 13 Nov for a full day of “how to” sessions, case studies, and talks to level up your AI skills. Since we last shared the agenda, we’ve added even more to the lineup.

Book your ticket (group discounts available): bit.ly/3JtmXed

Headshot of Beth, text on image: period Symptom Checker, CharityComms inspiring communicator awards 2025. Period Symptom Checker, Wellbeing of Women & Beth Granter (freelance), Wellbeing of women logo, "we're shortlisted"

Woohoo! I've been shortlisted (for the second time!) for a @charitycomms.bsky.social #InspiringCommunicator award alongside my client Wellbeing of Women! Category: Best charity and freelancer collaboration, this time it's for my work on the Period Symptom Checker. Fingers crossed!

A blue background with CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Award title and logo, speech bubble with gold star inside. In an orange banner, text reads: Join the ceremony on 10 December 2025. In a white star in the bottom right, text reads: Awards shortlist now live. Logos state sponsored by Creative Concern and LinkedIn icon with CharityComms tag.

The shortlist for our #InspiringComms Awards is now live! Congratulations to everyone in the running to win this year - you're in great company: https://bit.ly/4kgiRUm

Join us for the awards ceremony via LinkedIn Live on 10 Dec to be inspired and discover the results: https://bit.ly/437PGMJ

CharityComms 2025 Annual General Meeting member proxy attendance form Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

If you can’t make the event, vote by proxy so that we can count you towards the quorum: bit.ly/4okE9BN

A woman sitting at her kitchen table, with a mug in her hand, using a pencil to write on a piece of paper. Around the image are a series of colourful banners, text reads: Members only. Join our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 26 November, 10 - 11 am. Reserve your place or vote by proxy.

Are you a CharityComms member? Join us online for our annual general meeting (AGM) on 26 Nov 2025 from 10-11am as we bring together our members, trustees and staff. The agenda will cover our plans and impact, voting on appointments, and asking us questions. Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/3J3qNLt

Recruitment post. On a black background, white text that reads "Join our small, friendly team as one of our new trustees" is housed in a green box next to a picture of a group of people sitting around a board table with a woman standing up at the head of the table. In a series of banners beneath is CharityComms' logo and text that reads: Apply by 20 Oct 2025, 5pm.

Help us make a difference for charity communicators.

We're looking for trustees to share their expertise to contribute to the direction and impact of CharityComms. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4p71YOT

Small steps for healthier boundaries Eleshea Williams, a social media professional in the charity sector, shares small steps to build healthier boundaries and advocates for shared responsibility in managing burnout.

Read more on tracking your energy and setting healthy boundaries in a recent blog: bit.ly/47DIUBv

Three steps and considerations for tracking your energy on a white box on a green background.

1. Notice your patterns – For a week, note when you feel most focused or when your energy dips. Consider whether certain tasks, times of day or other factors influence your energy and review these trends. Consider: When do you feel most sluggish or find it easier to concentrate? Do external factors like meetings, meals, or screen time affect your energy levels?

2. Match your work to your energy – Where possible, align your tasks and work around the energy patterns you identified. Tackle complex tasks when your energy is higher and reserve low periods for admin and planning. Consider: Block time in your calendar for urgent or ad hoc work so it doesn’t cut into your focus periods. Adjust these slots as you learn what works best.

3. Build in recovery – Regular rest breaks throughout the day help your mind and body recharge. Taking short, intentional pauses can help you reset and sustain focus throughout the day. Consider: Experiment with different types of recovery – listening to music, hydration, or a coffee catch-up with a colleague – and build in what leaves you feeling refreshed.

When calendars are full, it’s tempting to power through a long to-do list. But time management often overlooks natural energy cycles. Tracking when you're most focused, creative, or drained can help plan work while protecting your wellbeing.

Three steps and considerations to get you started.

Adeela Warley: We need more voices with a common motivation By stepping into the conversation with a clear message, and helping communities to do the same, we can show a more vibrant, cohesive and diverse view of Britain

In this Third Sector article, our CEO Adeela Warley, explores how co-production and community storytelling can help our sector challenge division – by uniting behind a clear, inclusive message that reflects a vibrant and diverse Britain. Read more here: https://bit.ly/42BR3Dj

A howling wolf on a pink background with text that reads: CharityComms. Join the pack. Our jobs board connects communicators and causes together. #MembershipMonday

Are you ready to join a new pack? Head to our jobs board to find your new role: bit.ly/CCSectorJobs

If you're a CharityComms organisational or corporate member, don't forget to submit your opportunities to our jobs board here: bit.ly/3IVEuMu

#MembershipMonday

UK charities say toxic immigration rhetoric leading to threats against staff Voluntary organisations forced to introduce extensive security measures to protect staff and property

Find out more about this call to action for the government in @theguardian.com: bit.ly/4q6K9jv

We’ve called on the PM to protect everyone’s human rights in the face of far right threats Thank you to all the amazing charities who came together to stand up for inclusion, equality and racial justice in our joint letter of 29 September to the Prime Minister. You can read the letter here and article in the Guardian here.The rise in far right violence and the devastating antisemitic

Alongside @equallyours.bsky.social and civil society leaders, we have signed a letter to the Prime Minister asking for action against rising hate in the UK. We’ve recommended 5 concrete actions to advance inclusion, equality and anti-racism work. Read more in the letter: https://bit.ly/42AjVMi

Tips for successful co-production in your charity branding, including: 1. Start with a plan that outlines how to inform, educate and inspire everyone involved in the brand journey. 2. Connect with colleagues who work closely with people with lived experience to help you speak to those who matter most.

Tips for successful co-production in your charity branding, including: 3. Adapt your style to meet people where they are. This might mean dropping the brand jargon, pacing your conversations, and listening more. 4. When budgets allow, use statistics to engage large numbers of people and review trends.

Tips for successful co-production in your charity branding, including: 5. Never forget to consider every word or decision from the perspective of your primary audience, because your charity’s brand is ultimately for them. And a question - Have you shaped your brand with the people at the heart of it? Share your tips and experiences in the comments.

Putting people at the heart of the branding process can create a brand with a shared sense of pride, purpose, and commitment. In this blog, Dan Dufour shares tips for successful co-production in your charity branding: http://bit.ly/3IAf2Mr

A wellbeing guide for comms professionals Taking care of our mental health should not be something that falls down the list of priorities, especially when working in the ‘always on’ culture of comms...

Looking for more support to help prioritise your and your team’s mental health? Here are some helpful links:
Our wellbeing guide offers advice and resources from across the sector: bit.ly/4mWUz2D
Mental Health Foundation has guidance on navigating overwhelming news and global events: bit.ly/4nGAUVt

Reminders for #WorldMentalHealthDay and beyond, including: 1. Set information boundaries - Where possible, choose when and how you engage with news and social feeds. 2. Connect with others - Reach out to colleagues or your network. Talking with people who understand the pressures can help you process what you carry.

Reminders for #WorldMentalHealthDay and beyond, including: 3. Reflect on your impact - Revisit the hopeful and impactful stories you’ve helped tell. Those moments, and the people behind them, are reminders of why you do this work. 4. Take micro-breaks – Even five minutes between meetings or tasks can help reset your energy.

For charity communicators, caring deeply is part of the job – but often being on the frontline means facing the current constant stream of heavy headlines, misinformation and polarised debate. It can take its toll. Here are a few reminders for #WorldMentalHealthDay and beyond.

Internal Comms Network: Setting SMART comms goals This event is free and exclusive to CharityComms members. CharityComms’ Internal Comms Network is for those working in internal communications in UK charities and not-for-profits.

Thanks to everyone who joined us this morning. Special thanks to our wonderful host Sarah Browning, and speaker Ann-Marie Blake. If you missed it, catch up on the recording soon: bit.ly/3IQ5zAp

Three key takeaways from our Internal Comms event on setting SMART comms goals, including: 1. Emotional connection matters – Communicating organisational strategy requires understanding and addressing employees' emotional needs. Neuroscience shows that people feel before they think, so using emotional storytelling and personal relevance can help messages resonate and stick. 2. Keep it simple and repeat it - Simple, clear and repeated messages build familiarity and reduce uncertainty, meaning employees are more likely to feel motivated to act on strategic priorities. Use visuals, storytelling, and positive framing to make your internal comms attractive and relevant. 3. Make it measurable – To show the value of your internal comms, start with SMART objectives that align with your organisational strategy. Use outputs (what was delivered), outtakes (what people understood or felt), and outcomes (what behaviours changed) to measure impact and adapt based on learnings.

This morning’s #CCInternalComms event discussed how to translate your organisation’s overarching strategy into clear, SMART communications goals that guide your work and demonstrate your value. Here are some headlines.

What insights stood out to you most? Share in the comments below.

Special thanks for our sponsors @reasondigital.bsky.social, YoYo Design and @pixeled-eggs.bsky.social.

Don't just experiment with AI on your own. Learn from experts and peers using it in their every day work.

At our #CharityAI conference on 13 Nov, you'll leave with the latest techniques, practical workflows, and prompts you can apply to your work. Book your place here: https://bit.ly/3JtmXed