January 2026: A Fresh Start and a Strategic Reset for the Sector

January always brings a sense of renewal, but for the association and membership community it also signals an important point in the financial cycle. It’s a natural time to review goals, refine priorities and work out what needs to shift to set the year up well. The conversations across the sector already show a clear pattern. Leaders are reassessing strategy, teams are clarifying their focus and individuals are taking stock of whether their current roles still offer the stretch and alignment they want.

This is also when capability needs become easier to see. New projects surface, expectations from members sharpen and gaps in team structure become more visible after the break. For many organisations, January is the ideal moment to begin preparing for recruitment even if the hire will be made later in the year because early planning tends to make everything else smoother.

Candidates, too, gain clarity at this time of year. It becomes obvious when someone has outgrown a role. They talk about ideas they never had space to develop or responsibilities they were ready to take on. These are often the people who thrive in association and peak body environments, where the work is broad, meaningful and closely connected to real outcomes for industries, professions and communities.

As organisations return to full pace, many are also taking a closer look at how well their offer resonates with their members. Teams are mapping where value is strongest, reviewing where improvements are needed and determining which strategic priorities deserve more attention this year. None of this is surface level work. It requires clarity, capability and the right people in the right roles.

As the sector settles into 2026, one theme stands out. People want work that matters, where their contribution is felt and their thinking is valued. And organisations want teams that are steady, capable and aligned with their purpose.

If you are planning your year, a few practical reminders can help:

For organisations
• Take this moment to review whether your team structure still supports your strategy
• Begin early conversations about roles you may need, even if you are not hiring yet
• Clarify expectations for the next six months so your team feels grounded rather than stretched
• Look ahead to the skills your members will expect from you this year and map where capability needs to shift

For candidates
• Reflect honestly on whether your current role still challenges and excites you
• Pay attention to the projects that energise you and the ones that drain you and use that insight to guide your next move
• Consider whether your strengths are being recognised and whether you have opportunities to grow
• If you are thinking about a change, start the conversation early so you can move with intention rather than pressure

This sector moves with purpose, and 2026 already feels full of potential. Revise Recruitment is here to support your next step, whether that is refining your team or exploring a new direction in your career.