With significant funding changes due to come into effect from April, Charity Jobs NI has said its upcoming Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will focus on strengthening workforce resilience across Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector.
Sector leaders have warned that a proposed 64% reduction in key funding streams could see annual support fall from £25 million to £9.2 million, placing hundreds of jobs and vital frontline services at risk. As organisations prepare for the changes expected this spring, concerns remain about long-term workforce capacity and sustainability across the third sector.
The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, which takes place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast, will bring together charities, community organisations and social enterprises with people interested in purpose-led careers and volunteering opportunities.
Northern Ireland continues to record the highest rate of economic inactivity in the UK, with community-based programmes playing a key role in supporting people into employment, improving wellbeing and strengthening local economies. Against that backdrop, maintaining experienced staff and attracting new, values-led talent is increasingly seen as essential to protecting services.
Alongside concerns about organisational sustainability, there is also growing uncertainty for individuals working in the sector, with some roles already affected by funding reductions. For those facing redundancy or whose posts are at risk, the Fair will provide a practical opportunity to explore alternative roles within the voluntary and community sector and remain in purpose-led employment.
Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the current climate has sharpened the focus on strategic workforce planning.
“There is no doubt the sector is operating in a challenging financial environment. As organisations prepare for funding reductions expected from April, many are carefully reviewing how they protect services while managing uncertainty.
“At times like this, safeguarding workforce capacity is crucial. The voluntary and community sector underpins health, employability and community stability across Northern Ireland, and once experienced staff are lost it can be difficult to rebuild that expertise.”
“We are also aware that many talented and committed people across the sector are currently facing uncertainty about their own roles. For those whose jobs may be at risk, the Fair offers a chance to explore what other organisations are recruiting and to remain within a sector they care deeply about. It is about keeping skills, experience and passion within the third sector, even during challenging times.”
He added that practical and cost-effective recruitment approaches are becoming increasingly important.
“When resources are under pressure, recruitment must be strategic and efficient. Bringing organisations and candidates together in one place helps reduce costs, improve reach and protect workforce pipelines. The Fair is about strengthening connections and ensuring the sector remains visible and resilient as it navigates change.”
At the most recent Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to real hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.
Now firmly established as a key date in the third sector calendar, the event is open to people at all stages of their career journey and will feature organisations from across health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development.
Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting are encouraged to secure their place early, with space for around 30 stands available and allocation managed on a first come, first served basis.
To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.
ENDS
