December 18, 2024

Behind the Scenes of Non-Profits: The Hidden Work That Keeps Them Going

By Lisa Maynard-Atem, PSS Board Apprentice

When we think about charities or non-profit organisations, we often imagine the incredible work they do to help people and communities. We might picture dedicated staff and volunteers working hard to make a difference. And while that’s absolutely true, what we don’t often see is everything happening behind the scenes to keep the organisation running smoothly.

Having attended a recent finance and performance meeting with PSS, it struck me how much work goes into managing an organisation like this. Many of us might donate money, give clothes, or even volunteer our time, but that only scratches the surface of what it takes to support a non-profit. Behind every service delivered and every person helped, there’s a whole network of operations that must work together—often just as complex as running a business.

Keeping Everything Running

Non-profits like PSS exist to help people with specific needs, from mental health support to helping families stay together or giving adults with learning disabilities the chance to thrive. To achieve all this, they need strong systems in place to manage the day-to-day work. This includes everything from planning services to making sure teams are trained, and compliance rules are followed. It’s not just about passion—it’s about being organised and focused too.

Non-profits like PSS exist to help people with specific needs, from mental health support to helping families stay together or giving adults with learning disabilities the chance to thrive. To achieve all this, they need strong systems in place to manage the day-to-day work.

For example, PSS runs multiple services, such as Shared Lives, which matches adults in need of care with supportive families, and Making Days, which offers activities for people with learning disabilities. Each of these services needs careful management to ensure it meets people’s needs. That includes recruiting the right staff, organising training, and making sure the services follow strict regulations.

Shared Lives is a bit like fostering but for adults. PSS Shared Lives carers support people multi-locally across the UK

Money Matters

One of the most important parts of running a non-profit is looking after its finances. This doesn’t just mean making sure there’s enough money coming in to keep things going—it’s also about using that money wisely and being transparent about where it goes.

Non-profits often get their funding from a mix of sources, including grants, public sector contracts, and donations. Managing these funds is a big responsibility. It means planning ahead, setting budgets, and keeping a close eye on how much is being spent and where. There’s also the challenge of planning for the future—making sure there’s enough money set aside to deal with unexpected costs while still providing services.

Non-profits often get their funding from a mix of sources, including grants, public sector contracts, and donations. Managing these funds is a big responsibility. It means planning ahead, setting budgets, and keeping a close eye on how much is being spent and where.

At the same time, non-profits need to be open about their finances so donors and funders can trust that their contributions are making a difference. It’s not an easy balance to strike, but it’s a vital one.

The Importance of Good Governance

Behind every non-profit is a team of people working together to steer the organisation in the right direction. In PSS’s case, this includes trustees and committee members who help make key decisions. These people play an important role in ensuring the organisation is focused on its mission while keeping everything running properly.

Behind every non-profit is a team of people working together to steer the organisation in the right direction.

They look at things like financial performance, service delivery, and whether the organisation is meeting its goals. They also think about the big picture—how the organisation can grow, adapt, and continue helping people in the future.

PSS’s trustees and committee members are crucial to our success

People Power

Non-profits often rely on the passion and commitment of their people. While volunteers play a huge part, many non-profits also have paid staff who bring valuable skills and experience. Recruiting and keeping these people isn’t always easy. It means investing in training and creating an environment where people feel supported and valued.

Take PSS, for example. Their teams include everything from carers in their Shared Lives programme to project workers supporting families. Each role is vital, and ensuring everyone has the tools and support they need to succeed is no small task.

Technology’s Role

Like any organisation, non-profits need technology to keep things moving. From managing data to tracking outcomes and even staying in touch with people they support, technology plays a key role. Investing in the right systems can make a huge difference, but it’s not always straightforward—it takes time, money, and training to get it right.

Like any organisation, non-profits need technology to keep things moving. From managing data to tracking outcomes and even staying in touch with people they support, technology plays a key role.

PSS, for example, uses digital tools to keep track of compliance and ensure their services are safe and effective. This helps them stay organised and continue delivering the high standards their service users expect.

The Bigger Picture

Non-profits do so much more than provide services—they help build stronger, healthier communities. Organisations like PSS tackle challenges that would otherwise fall to overstretched public services, making a real difference to people’s lives. But achieving this impact takes more than good intentions. It requires careful planning, strong leadership, and the ability to adapt when challenges arise.

Changing How We See Non-Profits

It’s easy to think of non-profits as being simpler than businesses. After all, they exist to help people, not to make money. But as I’ve seen, running a non-profit requires just as much work and expertise—if not more. By recognising this, we can better understand the effort it takes to keep these organisations going and the incredible value they bring to our communities.

It’s easy to think of non-profits as being simpler than businesses. After all, they exist to help people, not to make money.

So next time you see the amazing work a non-profit is doing, remember all the moving parts behind the scenes. And if you’re able, consider how you can support them—not just with donations but by spreading the word, volunteering, or even simply appreciating the hard work that goes into ma