With 66% of respondents saying that corporate services (finance, procurement, legal, governance, risk & assurance) was the toughest area to hire for – it is clear the sector understands that excellence in service delivery hinges on recruiting and retaining top-tier talent. But, what skills are needed to make sure the sector is ready for the future?
What skills are missing for a future-proofed public and social sector workforce?
Serious concern for the future means now is the time to act
If the public and social sector is to secure its future workforce, organisations need to rethink current approaches to recruitment. By recognising that the majority of professionals view their role as a vocation to take pride in rather than a routine job – the sector will see there are a number of levers that can be pulled to attract the right talent and keep hold of them.
Focus on sector attractiveness can help improve its image
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Tackling the recruitment crisis in the public and social sector
Different perspectives highlight the need for cohesive recruitment and retention strategies
Insights from over 170 individuals across the UK public and social sector highlighted that the UK is on the cusp of a recruitment and retention crisis. Amid ongoing social and economic instability, how can we improve efforts to support our public sector workforce and effectively attract new talent?
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the report
Overall 72% agreed or strongly agreed they their organisation recognised or valued their contributions. But, a different picture emerged when comparing the experience of younger employees (aged 25-34) to their older counterparts (35+). It's clear the next generation needs more in the way of positive reinforcement, especially with a retirement crisis on the horizon.
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68% believe retirements over the next five years will be a huge risk to future operations and service continuity. This, coupled with the current recruitment crisis, makes a focus on quick fixes understandable. But this short-sightedness is crippling the sector’s ability to future-proof its workforce. So, what will the public and social sector workforce of the future look like five years from now?
“To shape a sustainable future, for both their business and wider society, the C-suite are increasingly investing in technology and sustainability.
With uncertainty the norm for the foreseeable future, they need to continue to be bold today, to achieve sustainable success tomorrow.”
Mark Kennedy,
Partner & Group Executive Board Member, Mazars
Looking ahead to the next five years, which of the following statements do you believe could be true of your organisation's workforce?
Global
Businesses with more than 30% of leadership roles held by women
Businesses considering gender equality a ‘top three’ issue
UK
25%
37%
33%
44%
How important do you feel each of the following are for attracting and retaining talented employees to/at your organisation?
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As expert advisers with strong links across the public and social sector, our team draws on its market knowledge and industry experience to publish research and observations on new developments and regulations.
Public and Social Sector insights
Discover more
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Tacking the recruitment crisis
in the public & social sector
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Peter Cudlip
Contact
Partner & Chair UK Governance Council
Percentage of those who agreed/strongly agreed that their organisation recognised or valued their contributions
75%
Project management skills
(eg. financial planning)
Communication skills
(eg. marketing, public relations, customer service etc.)
Technical expertise
(eg. audit, accounting, tax, technology etc.)
What type of skills do you think your organisation is looking for in talent?
Problem-solving abilities
(eg. business analyst)
People and human resources specialist
Other ‒ please specify
Don’t know
5%
68%
57%
57%
54%
24%
46%
All ages
72%
Aged 25-34
50%
Aged 35+
Commitment to ESG goals
Internships, learning, training and development
Pension scheme and benefits package
Flexible working
Purpose, prestige, reputation and making a difference
Culture of teamwork and quality of colleagues
Job recognition and career progression
85%
89%
89%
94%
95%
96%
Equality, diversity and inclusiveness
Transparent salary range by grade
87%
74%
82%
Everything will stay the same
We will have a less diverse workforce
Hybrid working will be removed
Don't know
We will have a less skilled workforce
We will have a more skilled workforce
We will have a more diverse workforce
Hybrid working will continue
3%
5%
6%
21%
44%
71%
78%
2%
Customer facing
55%
IT and digital
63%
Corporate services
66%
Toughest areas to hire for:
Senior leadership
44%
Apprentice/trainees
40%
should encourage older workers back
61%
should invest more in attracting new employees
63%
should invest more in retaining staff
68%
has opportunity for career growth and development
67%
Employees think their organisation:
don’t know
2%
no risk
11%
potential risk
19%
some risk
42%
significant
26%
How much of a risk are retirements over the next five years?:
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The Low Pay Commission (LPC) estimates that around 1.6 million workers were being paid at or below the minimum wage in April 2022 – that’s 5% of all UK workers. However, with the minimum wage rates increasing and pay differentials reducing, combined with the complexities of the minimum wage legislation, it’s not just those low paying roles at risk anymore.
How to avoid National Minimum Wage breaches
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‘Let’s talk people, education & culture’ is the Mazars podcast designed to help you strengthen your skills in most dimensions of the HR function. Throughout our series, Mazars experts share modern approaches in key areas related to people, education and corporate culture.
Let's talk people, education & culture
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Globally, we are more digitally connected than ever before. As technology develops, and firms accelerate adoption, there is a simultaneous escalation in the scale of cyber threats.
How public sector organisations can protect their data
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‘Let’s talk people, education & culture’ is the Mazars podcast designed to help you strengthen your skills in most dimensions of the HR function. Throughout our series, Mazars experts share modern approaches in key areas related to people, education and corporate culture.
Let's talk people, education & culture