Looking After Your People: Lessons from Gary Neville and the Third Sector

Last week, former footballer and entrepreneur Gary Neville spoke at Queen’s University Belfast, sharing insights into business and leadership. One of his key messages? Look after your people. It’s simple advice but profoundly impactful, especially for leaders navigating the unique challenges of the community sector. 

We know that charities and non-profit organisations rely on dedicated teams who often work tirelessly, driven by passion rather than big salaries, we’ve even received emails from clients as late as 11pm – a testament to their dedication! However, unlike the corporate world, where financial incentives might keep employees engaged, community-sector leaders need to find creative ways to support, retain, and nurture their people. And the best leaders in this space know how to do just that. (Shameless plug incoming!) Check out our previous blog series, Women Who Lead, for some great examples! 

Investing in People 

Looking after your team starts with investing in their growth. Many of the charities we work with prioritise training and professional development to help their staff and volunteers build new skills and achieve their full potential. These opportunities aren’t just about improving productivity; they’re about showing people they are valued and that their contribution matters. 

For example, community-sector organisations in Northern Ireland often provide tailored training programmes that align with the personal passions of their staff, mentorship opportunities, or access to conferences and workshops. These investments strengthen teams while also reinforcing a culture of care and respect. 

Creative Approaches to Care 

Employees in the community sector are some of the most passionate and driven people we’ve encountered. For them, it’s almost never just about the salary at the end of the month. However, like everyone else, people working in the sector have bills to pay. And without the lure of corporate salaries, community-sector leaders often look after their people in more thoughtful, personalised ways. This might mean flexible working arrangements, mental health support, or simply creating an environment where everyone feels part of a mission bigger than themselves. Small gestures, like providing snacks in the office, celebrating milestones, or giving extra days off after a big project, can make a huge difference and inspire a sense of belonging.  

Parley’s Way 

At Parley Communications, although our team is small, we always look for small ways to reward ourselves. One of our favourite perks? Heated electric blankets for working from home. They’re a little luxury but a big comfort, especially during chilly NI winters. 

Gary Neville’s advice to “look after your people” resonates deeply in the community sector, where teams thrive not just on passion but on support, care and most of all that sense of being part of something bigger. We’re constantly impressed by the ways our clients find ways to invest in their people and create environments where they can do their best work and feel part of something special!