Why HR Software Matters for UK Charities & Non-Profits
Managing HR in a charity or non-profit comes with unique challenges. From handling employees and volunteers to ensuring legal compliance and managing payroll, absence tracking, and reporting, HR professionals need software that is cost-effective, easy to use, and suited to the third sector.
The problem? Many HR solutions are designed for businesses, making them expensive or unsuitable for charities. That’s why we’ve reviewed eight of the best HR systems in the UK, focusing on features, compliance tools, pricing, and overall suitability for non-profits.
Helpful Summary
Overview: This guide compares eight HR software solutions for UK charities and non-profits, focusing on cost-effectiveness, compliance tools, and usability.
Why trust us: We specialise in HR software analysis to help charities and non-profits find the best solutions for their specific needs.
Why it matters: HR software should simplify charity operations, not complicate them. The right system will help you manage employees and volunteers, track compliance, and save time on admin tasks.
Action points: Look for HR software that integrates essential HR functions rather than requiring multiple third-party add-ons.
Further research: Before committing, make sure to explore free demonstrations and charity-specific discounts.
HR Software for UK Charities & Non-Profits – Full Comparison
1. Evalu-8 HR – Best all-in-one HR system for charities
Evalu-8 HR offers an affordable, flexible and integrated time and attendance module built into its wider HR platform making it a smart fit for charities and non-profits across the UK. Rather than relying on standalone time-tracking tools or juggling multiple systems for absence, leave, rotas and payroll, Evalu-8 brings everything together in one easy-to-use platform.
Designed with real-world teams in mind including volunteers, part-time staff, salaried employees, and hybrid workers Evalu-8 gives organisations real-time insight into attendance while reducing admin, improving compliance, and keeping accurate records for funding and auditing purposes.
The platform is highly configurable, which makes it ideal for non-profits that often operate with complex rotas, limited admin time, and diverse working patterns. And because it’s priced fairly and transparently, Evalu-8 HR delivers powerful functionality without stretching tight budgets.
Core features
Real-time clocking in and out via mobile, tablet kiosk, desktop, QR code or geolocation
Configurable working patterns and time rules for different roles (e.g. salaried, hourly, hybrid, volunteer)
Automatic tracking of lateness, breaks, overtime and missed clock-ins
Timesheet generation and export to payroll
Self-service for employees with manager approval workflows
Absence and sickness automatically reconciled with time records
Advanced features
Real-time clocking in and out via mobile, tablet kiosk, desktop, QR code or geolocation
Configurable working patterns and time rules for different roles (e.g. salaried, hourly, hybrid, volunteer)
Automatic tracking of lateness, breaks, overtime and missed clock-ins
Timesheet generation and export to payroll
Self-service for employees with manager approval workflows
Absence and sickness automatically reconciled with time records
Explore Evalu-8 HR
Constraints and functionality gaps
Offline clocking (without signal or internet) is not yet available, though this is under development
Biometric clocking is supported but requires separate third-party hardware
For very large organisations with highly complex unionised shift patterns or multi-tiered approval rules, custom configuration may be needed but is included during onboarding
Evalu-8 is designed to be flexible and intuitive, but like all systems, charities with very specific processes may need to take advantage of the platform’s customisation options and training support to get the most from it.
Pros and cons
Pros
Fully integrated with wider HR system no need for bolt-ons to track leave, absence or holidays
Simple and intuitive for both managers and employees
Multiple clocking options including mobile, browser, QR and GPS
Configurable time rules, rotas and working patterns
Affordable and scalable, even for small charities or multi-location organisations
UK-based support team and built-in compliance tracking
Cons
Offline clocking not currently supported (roadmap feature)
Optional biometric devices require third-party hardware
Some charity-specific use cases may require support during initial setup (provided at no extra cost)
Pricing
Evalu-8 HR is priced transparently to support UK charities and smaller teams:
Core HR platform starts at £2.50 per user per month, which includes leave management, absence tracking, training logs, documents and performance
Time and attendance can be added for an additional £2.50 per user per month
For registered charities there is a 20% discount speak to our friendly team for a tailored quote based on user numbers and modules required.
Why you may want to consider this vendor
For UK charities and non-profits, managing staff and volunteers efficiently often comes down to getting the basics right without overcomplicating things. Evalu-8 HR helps you do exactly that. It brings time tracking, attendance, leave and compliance into one system so you don’t have to manage spreadsheets, paper forms or disconnected apps.
The time and attendance module is smart, scalable and easy to use, whether you’re logging part-time hours, keeping track of hybrid workers, or reporting on funded projects that require precise records of time spent.
While tools like Planday or Buddy Punch might offer decent time tracking, they often require bolt-ons or additional platforms to handle absence, leave and HR documents. Evalu-8 HR avoids this entirely by offering a complete system built from the ground up for UK organisations.
For charities that need clear, accurate time data and less admin burden without paying enterprise-level prices Evalu-8 HR is a trustworthy, value-driven option.
2. Breathe HR – Best for small charities needing simplicity
Breathe HR is a cloud-based HR platform popular among small UK businesses and non-profits for its simplicity and affordability. It includes modules for employee records, holiday management, absence tracking, and performance. However, when it comes to time and attendance, Breathe HR offers only limited functionality.
Rather than providing a full-featured time-tracking module, Breathe HR focuses on leave management and basic working patterns. There is no clock-in/out system, no timesheet automation, and no real-time attendance visibility making it less suitable for charities needing accurate tracking of volunteer hours, flexible working, or part-time teams.
While Breathe is well-regarded for straightforward HR admin, it doesn’t provide a complete solution for organisations needing detailed time management, rota planning, or payroll integration. As a result, many users end up bolting on additional systems, increasing cost and admin workload.
Core features
- Leave and absence management integrated with employee records
- Timesheet entry by employees (manual input)
- Manager approval of timesheets
- Working patterns can be set per employee
- Time off in lieu (TOIL) tracking available in higher-tier plans
- Employee self-service to log hours and submit leave requests
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Advanced features
- None that would be classed as advanced for time and attendance
- No clock-in or clock-out functionality via mobile or desktop
- No GPS tagging, geofencing, or real-time tracking features
- No automated alerts for lateness, overtime or missed shifts
- No rota or shift management tools built in
Constraints and functionality gaps
Time tracking is manual only employees must enter hours worked by hand, meaning it is not real-time and prone to human error
No clock-in or clock-out functionality via any device, mobile or otherwise
No rota management, meaning hours worked cannot be linked to scheduled hours
No integration with biometric or time clock hardware
No GPS, geolocation, or any method to verify where time is being logged from
Not suitable for charities with volunteers, hourly-paid staff, or shift-based teams
No reporting that supports workforce time compliance, payroll-ready data, or audit trails
Limited ability to analyse absence or lateness trends linked to time worked
Pros and cons
Pros
Very easy to use with a clean interface
Affordable and designed for smaller UK organisations
Integrates basic leave tracking and HR records
Cloud-based and accessible from any browser
Suitable for charities with salaried staff and simple working patterns
Cons
Time tracking is basic and not automated
No clocking-in functionality, meaning it cannot track time in real-time
Unsuitable for managing volunteers, hybrid workers, or hourly staff
No shift, rota, or workforce scheduling functionality
No integration with payroll or in-depth time reporting
Not designed with compliance or audit tracking in mind
Pricing
Breathe HR offers tiered pricing based on the number of employees and required features:
Core package (suitable for basic HR functions): From £18 per month for up to 10 employees
Time and attendance is included as a timesheet module, but only in higher-tier plans
Manual timesheets are available in the Regular and Premium packages, starting at around £38/month for up to 20 employees
No built-in integration with external time-tracking or payroll systems unless used alongside third-party tools
While affordable for small charities, costs can increase quickly as features like TOIL and timesheet approval are only available in higher plans.
Why you may want to consider this vendor
Breathe HR may be suitable for small UK charities with a low number of salaried employees, consistent working patterns, and minimal demand for time tracking. If your main need is to centralise employee records, track holiday entitlement and log sick days in a simple and affordable way, Breathe will likely meet those needs.
However, for non-profits that require clock-in/clock-out tracking, rota management, or accurate payroll-linked time data, Breathe lacks the core functionality needed. The time tracking tools are manual, disconnected from scheduling, and do not support real-time management. For organisations managing flexible hours, hybrid roles or funding accountability, the platform will likely fall short.
In contrast, solutions like Evalu-8 HR offer full time and attendance tracking with GPS, mobile access, rotas, biometric options and HR integration at a similar price point but with far greater functionality. For non-profits seeking control, accuracy and compliance, Evalu-8 is often the better choice.
3. Employment Hero – Good Payroll Integration but Business-Focused
Employment Hero is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform that has become popular with charities and non-profits looking for a modern, cloud-based system. Known for combining core HR features with employee engagement tools like surveys, recognition, and wellness programs, it offers a polished, integrated experience particularly appealing for organisations that want to streamline admin and boost staff morale.
However, when you dig into time and attendance, Employment Hero has a few notable limitations. While it includes timesheets, leave management, and rostering, it leans more heavily on integrations (such as Deputy or Tanda) for advanced scheduling, time capture, and shift management. Without these add-ons, charities that need precise clock-in/out tracking, biometric integration, or detailed labour costing may find Employment Hero’s built-in tools too lightweight.
Core features
- Employee records, contracts, and HR documentation
- Leave requests and approval workflows
- Timesheet entry (by employees or managers)
- Basic rostering for shifts and work patterns
- Payroll processing integrated within the system (UK specific)
- Employee self-service via web and mobile app
Advanced features
- Integrated employee engagement tools (surveys, recognition)
- Benefits management, including employee perks
- Automated onboarding and policy sign-offs
- Reporting and analytics across HR and payroll
- Potential to integrate with advanced T&A tools like Deputy
Constraints and functionality gaps
- Clock-in/clock-out depends on integration partners; the core system lacks robust built-in time capture
- No biometric or hardware-based clocking supported natively
- No GPS-based tracking or geofencing features for mobile clocking
- Payroll integration works well, but time data needs to come from connected systems for detailed accuracy
- Without Deputy or similar, rostering is fairly simple and best suited to small teams
- Limited real-time attendance visibility within the base platform
- For charities with volunteers, hybrid teams, or part-time staff, reliance on third-party time tools increases cost and complexity
Pros and cons
Pros
- Comprehensive HR and payroll in one system
- Strong employee engagement tools not common in other HR platforms
- Modern, user-friendly interface
- Mobile app for staff self-service
- Good fit for charities focused on payroll, engagement, and basic rostering
Cons
- Advanced time and attendance depends on third-party tools
- No native clock-in/out, GPS tracking, or biometric options
- Extra cost and setup required for advanced scheduling
- Not optimised for organisations managing large volunteer teams or hourly paid staff needing granular time data
- Reporting on time compliance and audits limited without external integrations
Pricing
Employment Hero operates on a per-employee, per-month model with multiple tiers:
- HR (Essentials) plans start from around £5–£10 per employee per mont
- Payroll modules add additional per-employee costs
- Advanced scheduling, time tracking, and rostering require integration with Deputy or Tanda, which come with separate fees
- Overall costs can rise quickly for non-profits needing a fully integrated T&A and rostering solution
Why you may want to consider this vendor
Employment Hero is a strong choice for non-profits and charities that want a polished HR and payroll system with added employee engagement tools especially if your organisation focuses more on salaried staff and less on hourly or volunteer shift management. It’s great for reducing admin around contracts, policies, and onboarding, while offering staff a professional digital experience.
However, if you need in-depth, real-time time and attendance tracking, shift planning, or compliance-ready time data, you’ll either need to pay extra for third-party integrations or look elsewhere.
In contrast, Evalu-8 HR provides an all-in-one solution where advanced time tracking, rotas, GPS mobile access, biometric clocking, and HR tools come fully integrated no need for bolt-ons or external apps. For non-profits managing diverse teams, tight budgets, and compliance needs, Evalu-8 HR often delivers greater control, functionality, and value straight out of the box.
4. HR Locker – Affordable, But Limited Features
HR Locker is an Ireland-based cloud HR platform that has also built a following among UK charities and non-profits. Its focus is on simplifying HR processes like document management, absence tracking, performance reviews, and compliance with a clean interface and flexible pricing that appeals to smaller organisations.
Where HR Locker stands out is its emphasis on HR compliance, policy management, and remote-friendly features. But when it comes to time and attendance, the platform’s capabilities are a bit more mixed. While it offers clock-in/out (including geotagging), digital timesheets, and holiday tracking, its rota management, shift scheduling, and deeper time analytics are not as advanced as some competitors. For charities managing complex volunteer rosters, hybrid teams, or part-time staff, this can leave functionality gaps.
Core features
- Employee self-service for leave requests, timesheets, and clocking in/out
- Holiday and absence tracking, with approval workflows
- Contract and document management, including digital signatures
- Performance review tools and goal setting
- CPD (continuous professional development) tracking
- Basic compliance and HR policy management
Advanced features
- Clock-in/out functionality via web or mobile with optional geotagging
- Timesheet approval by managers
- HR document storage with access control
- Reporting on absences, holidays, and timesheets
- Integration options for payroll export (but no built-in payroll module)
Constraints and functionality gaps
- Rota and shift management are limited there’s no advanced scheduling module
- No biometric or physical time clock integration
- While clock-in/out is supported, it relies on trust or geotagging; no geofencing or hardware verification
- No automated alerts for overtime, lateness, or missed shifts
- Time data is available, but deeper analytics (like labour costing or compliance tracking) are limited
- Payroll integrations are manual (exported files), not automatic, requiring extra admin steps
- Not ideal for charities with high volumes of hourly-paid or volunteer workers needing complex rostering
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy-to-use, remote-friendly system with clock-in/out and self-service
- Strong compliance and HR document management features
- Supports CPD and performance reviews (not common at this price point)
- Affordable and flexible pricing aimed at small and medium organisations
- Mobile app access with geotagging for remote clock-in
Cons
- Shift planning and rota tools are basic or absent
- No built-in payroll or deep payroll integration
- No biometric, hardware, or geofence time capture
- Not designed for high-volume hourly, shift-based, or volunteer-heavy teams
- Reporting is functional but not advanced, particularly for time and attendance trends
Pricing
HR Locker operates on a modular, per-employee, per-month basis:
- Core HR plans start at around £3–£5 per employee per month, depending on features
- Clock-in/out and timesheet features require mid-to-higher-tier plans
- Payroll integrations are manual exports, meaning no extra cost but more admin
- Affordable for small to medium non-profits, but costs can rise if you need additional HR or time features
Why you may want to consider this vendor
HR Locker is a solid fit for small to medium charities and non-profits that want straightforward HR management, compliance tracking, and basic time recording particularly for salaried or remote staff. Its self-service tools, CPD tracking, and document workflows help reduce HR admin and support staff development.
However, if your organisation needs detailed shift planning, complex rota management, biometric time capture, or automated compliance checks tied to hours worked, HR Locker’s time and attendance features may feel too lightweight.
In contrast, Evalu-8 HR offers a fully integrated time and attendance system with advanced scheduling, GPS and biometric clocking, mobile and desktop access, automated compliance alerts, and direct links to HR and payroll data giving non-profits more control, accuracy, and insight without the need for external add-ons. For organisations looking to manage volunteer hours, hybrid work patterns, and funding-linked reporting, Evalu-8 often delivers stronger functionality at a similar price point.
5. People HR – Good for medium-sized charities, but costly
People HR is a popular UK-based cloud HR system designed for small to mid-sized organisations, including charities and non-profits. It’s well known for offering a broad set of HR features including employee records, holiday management, recruitment tools, performance tracking, and HR reporting all wrapped in an easy-to-use, cloud-accessible package. Many small charities like People HR because it helps modernise their HR operations without requiring a big IT team or budget.
However, when it comes to time and attendance, People HR’s native tools have notable limits. While the platform provides manual timesheets, basic absence management, and some automation, it doesn’t offer a fully featured clock-in/out system, advanced scheduling, or real-time attendance tracking. Organisations needing precise, automated tracking for volunteers, part-time teams, or hybrid workers often find themselves relying on manual processes or needing third-party add-ons.
Core features
- Employee records and self-service portal
- Leave and absence management with approval workflows
- Timesheet submission and manager approval (manual entry)
- Performance management and appraisal tools
- Applicant tracking and recruitment management
- Standard HR reporting and analytics
Advanced features
- Some process automation for HR tasks (e.g., reminders, approvals)
- Timesheet approval workflows (but no automated time capture)
- Recruitment and onboarding tools
- Integrations available with payroll systems (but not fully built-in)
- HR analytics dashboards for workforce insights
Constraints and functionality gaps
• Time tracking relies on manual timesheet input no automated or hardware clocking
• No native clock-in/out system through mobile or desktop
• No GPS tracking or geolocation features for mobile clocking
• No built-in rota or shift scheduling tools
• No biometric or physical time clock integrations
• Reporting on time data is limited; no deep compliance or payroll-ready outputs
• Not designed for complex, shift-based or volunteer-heavy teams needing granular time oversight
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clean, intuitive interface that’s easy for HR teams and staff
- Affordable and designed with small to mid-sized UK organisations in mind
- Good mix of core HR and recruitment features
- Cloud-based with employee self-service
- Flexible enough for charities focused mainly on HR admin and performance
Cons
- Time tracking is manual and not automated
- No real-time attendance or clock-in/out functionality
- No rota, shift management, or automated scheduling
- Requires manual processes or integrations for payroll linkage
- Reporting lacks the depth needed for time-based compliance or audit trails
Pricing
People HR offers several pricing tiers depending on the features included:Basic HR packages start at around £4–£6 per employee per month
- Â Access to timesheets and advanced features may require mid or higher-tier plans
- Payroll integrations are handled via external systems, not included in the base package
- For charities, initial costs are competitive, but scaling up with add-ons (especially around time management) can increase total expenses
Why you may want to consider this vendor
People HR can be a solid option for small to mid-sized UK charities looking for an affordable, user-friendly HR system to manage employee records, leave tracking, recruitment, and performance. If your primary needs are centred around HR admin and less on time and attendance, People HR offers good value and a straightforward experience.
However, for non-profits that need robust time and attendance tracking including clock-in/out systems, GPS or biometric tracking, detailed rota management, or automated compliance tools People HR’s manual timesheets and lack of advanced time features may prove limiting.
In contrast, Evalu-8 HR delivers a comprehensive all-in-one solution, combining HR management with real-time attendance, mobile and biometric clocking, advanced rota tools, and seamless integration with payroll. For non-profits looking to reduce admin, improve accuracy, and manage both staff and volunteers effectively, Evalu-8 often provides far more power and flexibility at a comparable price making it the better choice for organisations needing full control over their workforce.
6. Cezanne HR – Feature-Rich, But Complex
Cezanne HR is a comprehensive cloud-based HR system designed for mid-sized organisations, including charities and non-profits that want flexible, modular HR software. It’s known for offering a wide range of HR functions from core HR and onboarding to performance management, succession planning, and absence tracking all under one roof.
Where Cezanne HR shines is in its configurability and international capabilities, making it attractive to larger or more complex non-profits with multiple locations or evolving HR needs. However, when it comes to time and attendance, Cezanne’s approach is more limited. While it includes absence management and optional timesheet modules, it doesn’t offer built-in clock-in/out features, biometric integration, or advanced rota and shift management. These gaps can be significant for charities that need precise hour tracking, volunteer shift planning, or payroll-ready time data.
Core features
- Employee records, document management, and compliance tracking
- Absence and holiday management, with approval workflows
- Performance management, succession, and career planning tools
- Onboarding, training, and development modules
- Optional timesheets for project-based or hourly work
- Employee self-service through web and mobile
Advanced features
- Highly configurable workflows and approvals
- Â Global capabilities, including multi-language and multi-currency support
- Advanced reporting and analytics across HR areas
- Integration options with payroll providers (but no built-in payroll)
- API access for connecting to third-party systems
Constraints and functionality gaps
- No native clock-in/out or real-time attendance tracking
- Timesheets rely on manual input; no automated or hardware-based capture
- No GPS, geofencing, or mobile clocking features
- Â Limited or no built-in rota or shift management tools
- Payroll integration depends on external systems; time data must be exported
- Â Best suited to salaried or project-based staff, less ideal for volunteer-heavy or hourly-paid teams needing detailed time control
- Limited automation for compliance alerts based on attendance or working patterns
Pros and cons
Pros
Highly configurable and modular, allowing charities to pick only the features they need
- Strong performance, succession, and development tools
- Â Supports international or multi-location non-profits
- Clean interface and good employee self-service options
- Robust reporting and analytics across HR areas
Cons
- Time and attendance features are basic; no real-time tracking or clock-in/out
- Manual timesheets prone to human error
- No rota or shift planning, making it less suitable for managing volunteers or hourly teams
- Â Payroll integration requires exports, with no direct link to time data
- More expensive and complex than lightweight HR tools, potentially overkill for small charities
Pricing
Cezanne HR uses a modular pricing model based on selected features and the number of employees:
- Core HR module pricing typically starts from around £4–£6 per employee per month
- Timesheet modules and advanced features come at an extra cost
- Payroll integration is handled via partner tools or exported files, not included in base pricing
- Overall, Cezanne is positioned for mid-sized non-profits or larger charities, not small organisations looking for an ultra-budget solution
Why you may want to consider this vendor
Cezanne HR is a good fit for mid-sized or larger charities that need an all-round, configurable HR system with strong compliance, talent management, and international support. If your organisation is growing, has complex approval chains, or wants a modular system that can evolve with you, Cezanne offers excellent flexibility.
However, for non-profits that need robust time tracking including clock-in/out, biometric or GPS capture, automated rota management, and detailed time-linked reporting Cezanne falls short without relying on external tools.
In contrast, Evalu-8 HR offers an all-in-one platform where advanced time and attendance, mobile and biometric clocking, rota scheduling, and compliance-ready time reporting come fully integrated, giving charities the control and accuracy they need to manage volunteer hours, hybrid teams, and payroll-ready data without adding extra systems or costs. For non-profits focused on precise time management and seamless HR integration, Evalu-8 often provides stronger out-of-the-box value.
7. Safe-HR – Good Compliance, But Lacks Automation
Safe HR is a lightweight, affordable HR platform aimed at small businesses and charities in the UK looking for a simple, no-fuss solution. It focuses on delivering the core essentials: employee records, holiday and sickness tracking, document management, and straightforward HR admin. For small non-profits with limited budgets and minimal complexity, Safe HR appeals as an easy-to-use, low-cost entry point into digital HR.
However, when it comes to time and attendance, Safe HR offers only the basics and that’s where its limitations start to show. The system provides manual timesheets and leave tracking, but it lacks real-time clock-in/out, rota management, or advanced attendance features. This makes it less suited to charities needing to manage flexible working hours, volunteer shifts, or detailed payroll-linked time data.
Core features
- Centralised employee records and document storage
- Manual timesheets and leave logging
- Holiday, sickness, and absence management
- Employee self-service portal for submitting requests
- Basic reporting on absences and leave balances
- Cloud-based access via browser
Advanced features
- None specific to time and attendance
- No built-in clock-in/out or mobile time capture
- No rota or shift management
- No GPS, geofencing, or biometric options
- No advanced analytics or compliance alerts tied to time worked
Constraints and functionality gaps
- Timesheets must be manually filled in; no automated tracking
- Â No real-time attendance visibility for managers
- No integration with payroll systems for automated time data transfer
- Â Limited suitability for charities managing part-time, hourly, or volunteer teams
- Â No support for complex scheduling or overtime management
- Reporting is limited to basic leave and absence summaries, with no deep time analysis
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very simple and affordable, ideal for small non-profits
- Â Clean, user-friendly interface with little training needed
- Â Covers basic HR admin like holidays, absences, and documents
- Cloud-based, accessible from any web browser
- Â Straightforward self-service for employees
Cons
- Time tracking is minimal and entirely manual
- Â No clock-in/out or mobile time capture tools
- No rota or shift planning features
- No built-in payroll integration, requiring manual processes
- Not designed for organisations needing detailed time, attendance, or workforce management
Pricing
Safe HR is positioned as a budget-friendly option:
- Pricing typically starts from around £2–£4 per employee per month, depending on features
- Timesheets and absence management are included in the base offering, but only in manual form
- Â No additional modules for advanced time tracking or scheduling organisations needing these would need to add third-party tools
Why you may want to consider this vendor
8. Bamboo HR – More Suited for Corporate Use
BambooHR is a well-known HR software platform widely used by small and medium-sized organisations, including charities and non-profits. It’s popular for its polished design, ease of use, and strong focus on people management offering tools for employee records, onboarding, performance reviews, and culture-building. For charities wanting to professionalise their HR processes and improve employee experience, BambooHR is often seen as a strong contender.
That said, when it comes to time and attendance, BambooHR’s built-in capabilities are relatively light. While it does offer a time tracking add-on, it’s not a core focus of the platform, and more advanced needs like complex shift scheduling, biometric clocking, or GPS-enabled tracking generally require integrating third-party apps. This can create extra costs and admin for non-profits managing volunteer hours, part-time workers, or compliance-heavy time data.
Core features
- Central HR database with employee self-service
- Onboarding workflows and e-signatures
- Performance management and goal tracking
- Leave and absence management
- Optional time tracking module (at extra cost)
- Reporting and analytics on HR metrics
Advanced features
- Time tracking add-on with clock-in/out via web and mobile
- Integration with external scheduling and payroll tools
- Employee satisfaction surveys and culture tools
- Applicant tracking system (ATS) included in some plans
- Mobile app for employee access to core HR functions
Constraints and functionality gaps
- Native time tracking is an add-on, not included by default
- No built-in rota or shift management; relies on integrations
- No biometric or hardware clocking options
- Limited GPS or geolocation tracking for mobile clock-in
- Payroll integrations depend on third-party connections, not seamless
- Reporting on time data is functional but lacks depth compared to time-and-attendance-first systems
Pros and cons
Pros
- Highly polished, user-friendly interface
- Strong onboarding, performance, and culture tools
- Mobile app supports self-service and time entry (if add-on is purchased)
- Good fit for charities prioritising people management over detailed time tracking
- Â Integrates with many external systems for added flexibility
Cons
- Time tracking requires an extra paid module
- No built-in rota or shift scheduling tools
- Limited support for real-time or biometric time capture
- Relies on third-party apps for advanced time management or payroll connectivity
- Can become costly when adding time tracking and external integrations
Pricing
BambooHR offers per-employee pricing with different tiers:
- Core HR and people management modules start around £5–£7 per employee per month
- Time tracking add-on comes at additional cost
- Integrations with scheduling, payroll, or advanced time tools may involve separate fees
- Pricing can escalate quickly for non-profits needing combined HR, time, and payroll functionality
Why you may want to consider this vendor
BambooHR is a good fit for charities that want a best-in-class HR experience focused on employee engagement, onboarding, and performance particularly if time and attendance needs are minimal or can be handled with a simple add-on. For non-profits that want to strengthen their internal culture and HR operations, it’s a well-regarded, polished option.
However, if your organisation needs deep time and attendance features such as biometric or GPS clocking, detailed rota planning, automated compliance alerts, and integrated payroll-ready time data BambooHR on its own may fall short.
By comparison, Evalu-8 HR offers these advanced time management tools fully integrated into the system, without relying on costly or complex third-party add-ons. For non-profits managing hybrid teams, volunteer shifts, or hourly workers, Evalu-8 delivers greater functionality and control right out of the box, often at a more predictable total cost.
Final Thoughts: The Best HR Software for Your Charity
When choosing HR software, charities and non-profits need a system that saves time, ensures compliance, manages volunteers, and stays within budget. Evalu-8 HR stands out as the most complete all-in-one solution, combining HR management, time and attendance, volunteer tracking, compliance tools, and workforce planning all without relying on third-party add-ons.
While Breathe HR is popular for its simplicity and affordability, it lacks real-time time tracking and advanced compliance features. Employment Hero shines in payroll and engagement but depends heavily on external integrations for time and attendance, adding cost and complexity. HR Locker offers good compliance and CPD tracking but falls short in rota management and automated time capture. Cezanne HR is highly configurable and great for larger non-profits but offers only basic, manual time tracking without clock-in/out. Safe HR keeps things affordable and easy to use but delivers only the bare minimum in terms of time, attendance, and workforce planning. BambooHR impresses with its polished interface and strong people management tools but requires paid add-ons and integrations for robust time tracking or scheduling.
With charity-friendly pricing, deep automation to cut admin workload, real-time time and attendance, and built-in compliance and volunteer management tools, Evalu-8 HR delivers the most effective, scalable, and hassle-free HR solution for UK charities and non-profits all in one integrated platform.
FAQs – HR Software for Charities & Non-Profits
Breathe HR is a simple and affordable option, but for charities needing compliance tracking and automation, Evalu-8 HR is a better long-term choice.
Some HR platforms, like Evalu-8 HR, include volunteer management tools, while others, like Bamboo HR, focus only on employee records.
Pricing varies, but Evalu-8 HR, Safe-HR, and HR Locker offer charity discounts, while Cezanne HR and People HR can be expensive for smaller non-profits.
Evalu-8 HR and Safe-HR provide GDPR compliance, right-to-work tracking, and health & safety tools, whereas Breathe HR and Bamboo HR require third-party add-ons.
Most HR software providers charge a fee, but many, like Evalu-8 HR and People HR, offer non-profit discounts. Always check for charity pricing before signing up.
