In this episode of The Charity Changemakers Podcast, Adam Stacey speaks with Mary Comont, Director of People at UCCF: The Christian Unions. Mary shares her "squiggly" career journey — from volunteering with a sailing charity as a teenager, to roles in fundraising, project management, and HR, culminating in her current senior leadership position.
She reflects on the importance of values-driven work, the power of taking opportunities even when you don’t tick every box, and how creative, people-centred recruitment can unlock potential. Mary also opens up about the challenges of leadership, the role of faith in her decision-making, and why she believes HR should be at the heart of strategic planning in the charity sector.
Whether you’re navigating your own career twists and turns or looking for fresh perspectives on people leadership, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement in equal measure.
Key takeaways
A career in the charity sector doesn’t have to follow a straight path — transferable skills and openness to opportunity are key.
Creative hiring can bring in passionate, values-aligned candidates who might not meet every requirement on paper.
HR is more than an administrative function — it’s central to shaping organisational culture and strategy.
Leadership brings both privilege and pressure, requiring resilience, perspective, and a strong support network.
Faith, values, and trust can guide career decisions and help in navigating uncertainty.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Mary Comont and UCCF
07:35 – Mary’s Journey into the Charity Sector
11:44 – Experiences at Tearfund and Career Development
20:48 – Transitioning to City Gateway and HR Insights
26:40 – The Journey into HR
28:46 – Taking the Leap into HR
31:19 – Valuing HR Qualifications
32:31 – The Shift in HR Perception
35:29 – Leadership and Organisational Change
37:31 – Transitioning to Senior Leadership
42:08 – Finding Support in Leadership
44:04 – The Squiggly Line Career
49:22 – Advice to My Younger Self
52:53 – Series 2 – Outro
Listen to the episode to discover how Mary’s squiggly career path, values-driven approach, and leadership insights can inspire anyone in the charity sector.
Useful links
UCCF Website – https://www.uccf.org.uk
Tearfund Website – https://www.tearfund.org/
City Gateway Website – https://www.citygateway.org.uk
#CharityCareers #SquigglyCareer #HRLeadership #PeopleFirst #CharitySector