Why certify as a B Corp so early?
Gembridge became a Certified B Corporation in 2022—just a few years after launching. We wanted to embed purpose from the start, building strong frameworks and a lasting commitment to people, planet, and profit.
With only 19 certified recruitment agencies in Australia, we’re proud to stand out in a sector of 8,000. Early certification keeps us focused on impact, ethics, and continuous improvement—reflected in our rising B Impact Score.
Getting the position description (PD) and a well-defined brief right is critical to successful recruitment and retention. It goes beyond a simple list of tasks and ideal profile—it sets the tone, clarifies expectations, and attracts candidates who are truly aligned with the role and organisation.
With turnover rising, applications surging, and restructures on the rise, change is the new constant. Discover the key trends shaping recruitment in the for-purpose sector and how smart planning can help you build resilient, purpose-driven teams.
Alisa is driven by a passion for health equity and meaningful impact. “I love being part of a team committed to improving health outcomes across our communities,” she says, reflecting her dedication to values-driven work and collaborative fundraising at Cancer Council NSW as a Trusts & Foundations Specialist.
As Head of Philanthropy at Vinnies Victoria, Chris is driven by impact and collaboration. “All good things happen collaboratively,” he says, reflecting on a career shaped by community, connection, and a deep respect for those delivering frontline services.
Michelle and I recently attended the Educate Plus Vic/Tas Chapter Summit at Carey Baptist Grammar School. It was a packed program discussing issues across Admissions, Alumni and Community Relations, Fundraising; and People and Culture.
In the spirit of appreciation, we ran a competition on our LinkedIn page where we invited our network to nominate fundraisers making a real difference in Australia, and whose work deserves to be recognised. We had initially planned to gift three Endota Gift Cards, but the response was so great that we awarded a fourth. Here’s to the winners – may you enjoy some well-earned relaxation after tax time!
As a recruiter, I often meet candidates with impressive backgrounds who don’t quite hit the mark in interviews - not because they lack experience, but because their delivery lets them down. The truth is, how you present yourself can be just as important as what you’ve done.
In this case study, Gembridge shares how we partnered with Learning for Life Autism Centre to appoint a purpose-driven leader who could guide the organisation through growth and change. See how strategy, collaboration, and sector insight made the difference.
We’ve just completed that process, and we’re proud to share that not only did we recertify, but we also increased our B Impact Score from 103.1 to 108.6.
It’s been a big week of events! Tessa shares her insights from attending the CEOs in Fundraising event, the Down-Under Tour with Ken Burnett, and speaking at the FIA Victoria event on growing your donor pool, strategies for donor acquisition and retention.
We were so excited to see that Francine Poisson was awarded the FIA fellowship.
With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Francine is the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at the Black Dog Institute, a leading Australian medical research institute dedicated to mental health across the lifespan.
Here is what Francine has to say after we put her through the Gem Spotlight questions…
Sharon Hillman FFIA has received the prestigious Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to fundraising. With over 30 years of experience, she has been a leader, innovator, and advocate for best practices.
A dedicated member of FIA, Sharon has served as Past President of FIA Victoria, a Board Member, and a volunteer on key committees, helping to shape the future of fundraising in Australia.
Let’s see what Sharon has to say when we caught up with her…
James recently had the honour of being named Fundraiser of the Year 2025 at FIA’s prestigious Awards of Excellence, an accolade that recognises his extraordinary impact and leadership in the fundraising sector.
A common theme emerged across many of the discussions: investing in the right people and resources isn’t just an expense—it’s the key to long-term success. If we want to put more great in our good, we need to ensure we have the right foundations in place to drive impact.
This year marks five years since I joined Gembridge. It’s been an eventful five years for me both professionally and personally. What a ride!
An important part of a recruitment process is the phone screening. This stage allows recruiters narrow down the pool of possible candidates to take through to formal interview. From a candidate perspective, this is your second opportunity to shine (first being your written application!).
Gembridge was launched in 2019 with a fresh logo, website, a strong vision, and a wealth of recruitment experience and passion. I’m very proud on how far we have come.
With the rise of candidates using AI tools during interviews, it’s tempting to rely on an AI co-pilot to assist you in real-time. However, it’s important to exercise caution.
Starting a new job is a journey—one that’s both exciting and challenging. The important thing to remember is that you’re not starting from scratch in a new role; you’re starting from experience. Let’s unpack all the emotions you may feel when starting a new role.
A few last updates from Gembridge to close out 2024 and to welcome in 2025.
According to Team Gembridge, these are some of the best ways to spend your holiday season in Melbourne - eating, watching, listening and doing!
At this time of year, we have a fresh opportunity to reflect on the recruitment trends shaping the future. It’s time to look ahead at the key trends that will define the landscape in 2025 and beyond.
Whether stepping onto a senior leadership team, transitioning to an executive position, or taking on the CEO role—we often recommend engaging a formal coach as they can be an invaluable partner during these career transitions, providing a safe space for reflection, growth, and strategy.
Many candidates spend hours perfecting their resumes, tailoring their cover letters, and preparing for interviews. However, choosing your referees often goes overlooked in the process. References can play a pivotal role in securing a job offer. Read on to learn how to select those that will provide your stellar reference.
Unna Goldsworthy, Founder of Unna Movement, is a Performance Coach, Breath Science Practitioner, and Exercise Physiologist. She generously shares valuable tips to help you finish 2024 on a high note.
Huge congrats go out to all of the FIA Awards for Excellence in Fundraising finalists and State Winners for 2025! Team Gembridge enjoyed the end of year Melbourne celebration and cheering the inspiring fundraisers and organisations on.
Marietta began her Senior Philanthropy Manager role at Peter Mac in the middle of this year. She talks about her journey into the ‘for purpose’ sector, her love for connecting people to cause, achieving positive impact and her formative first job in face-to-face fundraising.
Humaira joined the Settlement Council of Australia as their Communications Lead just over six months ago. Here she shares her passion for storytelling, commitment to creating change and her lifelong desire to work in the development sector.
Last week saw the much-anticipated return of F&P’s BIG4 Fundraising Conference. Hosted in Melbourne, attendees from across the country gathered, eager to dive into a day abundant with learning, networking and strategies to further enhance the impact in the Australian NFP sector.