Last week, NFP joined HR leaders from across the UK charity sector at the CHRN annual conference, a community that continues to bring together some of the most passionate and values-driven professionals in the people space.
The year’s event focused on a topic that’s never been more relevant: the Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Or, perhaps more accurately… how it might be time to rethink it.
Is the EVP still fit for purpose?
Traditionally, the EVP as we know it, has been a one-way promise: “Here’s what we offer you - our culture, our benefits, our flexibility - in return for your commitment and effort.” It’s well-intentioned, but it’s also a bit one-sided.
Today’s workplace looks and feels very different. People want more co-ownership, and more alignment between their values and those of the organisations they join. At the same time, employers need teams who are engaged, accountable, and future ready. The balance has shifted, and it’s time our frameworks caught up.
Introducing EVaP: The Employee Value Partnership
During our presentation, NFP’s Director of People and Talent, Paul Armstrong, and Director of Organisational Transformation and People Services, Steve Foulger, explored what happens when we move from proposition to partnership.
We call it EVaP - Employee Value Partnership.
It’s built together, and lived together.
Because this isn’t just about what’s in it for you, it’s about what’s in it for both of us.
EVaP reframes the relationship as a mutual, evolving agreement between employer and employee. It’s not one of those static statements to be printed on a careers page; it’s a living exchange that flexes as people grow, contexts change, and organisations evolve.
Reciprocity, not transaction
At a time when flexibility, purpose and wellbeing are non-negotiables, an EVaP goes further by embedding reciprocity at its core.
The organisation brings:
- Growth opportunities and inclusive culture
- Flexibility, wellbeing and support
- Purpose-driven work and recognition
And the employee brings:
- Curiosity, learning and collaboration
- Respect, openness and community contribution
- Responsibility for balance, performance and accountability
Together, this becomes a shared value exchange, one that builds engagement and trust through genuine partnership, not perks.
From marketing to experience
Where the traditional EVP can sometimes sound like an employer brand campaign, an EVaP is experience-led and behaviourally grounded. It shifts us from static promises to dynamic practice, something we build and live every day. Because when people feel part of something, rather than sold to something, that’s when culture really comes alive.
So, are you ready to build a partnership?
The question we left leaders with at CHRN was simple but powerful:
“Are you still offering a proposition, or are you ready to build a partnership?”
The response in the room said it all, this shift resonates deeply across the charity sector, where purpose and people are inseparable.
Thank you as always to everyone who joined the conversation, shared their insights, and challenged the traditional EVP mindset. And a special thanks to the Charities HR Network for yet again creating a space where HR in the third sector continues to lead with heart, curiosity, and courage.