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HR, people & culture

HR policies and procedures for nonprofits

Signs you need HR policies

You have no formal HR policies — or what exists is a patchwork of outdated documents that staff and managers can't rely on when things get difficult.

What you'll achieve

A clear, compliant HR policies manual that protects the organisation legally and gives staff and managers consistent guidance.

How a Nonprofit Builder consultant helps

  • Audit your existing HR documents, identify gaps against legal requirements and good practice, and develop or rewrite the core policies in plain, accessible language.

Key deliverables

  • HR policies manual, staff handbook summary, manager reference guide, recommended communication and roll-out plan.

From the resource library

Free tools and guides to get started

  • 5.1C064

    Human Resources (HR) Toolkit for Small and Medium Nonprofit Actors

    A 32-page toolkit for small and medium nonprofit, humanitarian and development organisations that want a formal system for managing people. It offers guidance, tips and checklists for writing or strengthening HR policies, plus a set of questions to review an existing HR framework, find gaps and set priority actions. It is written for HR staff, programme and operations teams, and finance and admin managers who handle basic HR.

    Start hereCurrentTool or templateFree
  • 5.1C061

    Core Humanitarian Competency Framework

    The sector competency framework for humanitarian staff, published by CHS Alliance. The package includes a printable framework, a full guide for HR staff and managers on adopting a competency-based approach, a shortened guide, guidance on combining it with other frameworks, 4 PowerPoint training modules with handouts, and a short animated video. Organisations use it for job descriptions, recruitment, performance appraisal and staff development.

    ClassicTool or templateFree