Richard Berks - Turning Charity Comms Into a Sustainable Freelance Career
What happens when a scientist trades lab notes for writing stories that move donors to act? Richard Berks traces his path from research to charity communications to a sustainable freelance career, and the surprising tweet that sparked a community trusted by thousands for connection and clarity. Richard shares the lesson many of us learn too late: offering everything is not a strategy. He breaks down how he narrowed his services to what medical research charities actually buy, offering donor-friendly content that shows how funding changes lives. We talk through shaping a niche without boxing yourself in, validating offers by listening to what clients repeatedly ask for, and setting boundaries that protect family time instead of burning it at conferences and events. There’s practical marketing throughout: simple LinkedIn visibility, a “I’m now freelance” post, nudging ex-colleagues, joining sector directories, and sending respectful cold emails when you have a defined audience. We also explore the human side of freelancing- loneliness, winter slumps, and the mental load of working from home- and how small habits like a 20-minute walk, focus-friendly background audio, and a personal “energy playlist” can turn a slow afternoon into a productive one. You’ll also hear how Charity Freelancer Chat began with a casual coffee invite, and became a monthly anchor for freelancers across the sector. You can connect with Richard and follow Charity Freelancer Chat on LinkedIn. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague who’s thinking about their own freelance leap. Send us Fan Mail Jane Curtis, founder of The Charity Freelancing Course, host of The Other Side Podcast and Co-founder of The Rich & Restored Retreat. Jane has spent 26 years in the charity sector, is a former events fundraiser, and now supports well over 100 charity sector freelancers to replace their in house salary without working 24/7 through a group mastermind programme, charity freelancing course and 1:1 work. LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Website
- Transcript
- Chapters
