Poor staff retention levels in the voluntary sector could lead to skills gaps that are difficult to fill, according to a major study into recruitment and retention within finance departments in the public services by Hays Accountancy Personel.

The results showed that over a quarter of finance departments in the sector struggle to keep their staff for longer than three years, and only 18% of respondents said that the average length of service was more than five years.

The survey also showed that 41% of those interviewed believed there is a shortage of candidates with relevant sector experience and only 6% said that they mainly recruited staff who had previously worked for a charity or voluntary organisation.

Andy Robling, National Director for the Public Sector at Hays Accountancy Personel said: "Our research reveals the emergence of a more flexible finance workforce in the public services. As candidates have more opportunities to move between roles and sectors, employers must pay more attention to recruitment and retention strategies if they are to avoid skills gaps and loss of organisational knowledge."

A copy of the report can be downloaded from www.hayspersonnel.com/goto/changingworkforce