HR partnership helps charity extend its reach

A County Durham charity is strengthening its workforce and expanding vital community services with support from a North East HR consultancy.

Bishop Auckland-based Angel Trust has been working with Darlington-based HR2day to develop its staffing structure and employment practices as demand for its services continues to grow.

Founded in 2018 by chief executive Clair McGregor, the charity provides crisis counselling, emergency accommodation, food support and essential goods to people facing hardship.

Its workforce has grown to around 25 employees, with HR2day providing ongoing advice on employment law, organisational development and workforce planning.

More recently, HR consultant Aiden Taylor has supported the recruitment and onboarding of two apprentices, helping establish clear expectations and development opportunities.

The charity’s services include a Community Pantry serving hundreds of customers daily, a foodbank, Emporium charity shop and Beehive Coffee Shop.

Profits from the café helped around 1100 people access foodbanks, counselling and housing support during its first year.

Angel Trust also operates Durham County Council’s commissioned Safe Night Hub in Bishop Auckland, providing emergency accommodation and practical assistance to people experiencing homelessness, including those fleeing domestic violence.

Its two in-house counsellors have supported around 300 clients since April 2025, while the charity’s 2025 Toy Appeal collected more than 15,000 toys for disadvantaged children.

Bosses say the HR partnership is helping strengthen the organisation behind these services, allowing staff to focus on supporting vulnerable residents while building capacity for future growth.

Clair said: “Our community’s needs are constantly changing, and we have had to grow and adapt with them.

“We are proud of how Angel Trust has developed, but growth also means making sure the organisation behind our services remains strong.

“Having HR2day alongside us has given us professional support from a team that knows our organisation and understands what we are trying to achieve.

“That has been invaluable when making decisions about our structure and our people.”

Nicky Jolley, managing director of HR2day, added: “Growth is usually discussed in a commercial context, but charities face many of the same challenges.

“Roles evolve, responsibilities change and a structure that worked a few years ago may no longer be right.

“Angel Trust has developed enormously in response to community need.

“Our role is to make sure the people side of that growth keeps pace.

“Organisational change affects real people, so every decision must be carefully considered, clearly communicated and handled fairly.”

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