Catalonia’s social third sector, a diverse network of non-profit organisations dedicated to social welfare, has emerged as a formidable economic engine. It employs over 121,000 professionals and accounts for more than 3% of all jobs in the region. These findings stem from a new landmark report, which paints a detailed picture of a sector crucial for addressing social vulnerability, despite facing significant financial uncertainty.
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The ‘Anuario de la Ocupación del Tercer Sector Social de Catalunya 2025’ (2025 Yearbook of Employment in the Social Third Sector of Catalonia) was presented on Wednesday by the Confederación Empresarial del Tercer Sector Social de Catalunya. This report underscores the sector’s consolidation as a strategic player in Catalan society, revealing entities that are not only growing but also deeply embedded in local communities.
A Hyper-Local Economic Engine
The data reveals a strong local focus, with 59% of organisations operating at the municipal level, 45% at the regional (comarcal) level, and 34% provincially. The sector is predominantly composed of small to medium-sized enterprises: 38% are small organisations with 11 to 50 employees, while micro-entities with fewer than 10 workers make up 30% of the total.
These groups provide essential services to society’s most vulnerable members. For instance, the report shows 38% of entities work with people with disabilities, 28% support children and adolescents, and 27% focus on individuals at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Another 25% provide crucial services for people with mental health problems. This work often intersects with public initiatives, such as programmes to tackle loneliness among the elderly and responses to rising cases of missing children and seniors.
A Feminised Workforce Facing Challenges
One of the report’s most striking findings is the profound feminisation of the workforce. Women constitute a clear majority across all levels, holding 66% of management and directorial roles, 71% of intermediate and structural technical positions, and 77% of direct care and administrative posts. Despite this, the gender pay gap is notably low at approximately 1%.
Despite its vital role, the sector faces significant challenges in retaining staff and managing workplace pressures. Only 53% of employees have stayed with their organisation for three years or more, suggesting a high turnover rate. Furthermore, the absenteeism rate stands at 8.5%, substantially higher than the Catalan average of 6.9%. This highlights the demanding nature of the work; 30% of entities report an increase in staff absences.
Salaries in the sector are modest. Annual remuneration for administrative staff is around €20,000, while technical teams earn between €24,000 and €26,500. Management positions exceed €40,000. While 58% of contracts are full-time, the financial precarity of the sector casts a long shadow over job security and wage growth.
Calls for Fair Funding and Stability
During the report’s presentation, Jordi Roman, president of the Confederation, issued a strong appeal for systemic change. He argued that for these vital organisations to continue their work, they require “fair and stable” funding, a regulatory framework that formally recognises their role, and closer collaboration with public administrations.
“The organisations suffer from financial insecurity, and that has an impact on the sector’s workers,” Roman stated, calling for progress in achieving “dignified salaries for professionals.”
This financial instability is not an abstract concern. In fact, the report reveals 60% of the sector’s funding comes from public sources, primarily from the Generalitat de Catalunya (68% of public funds). This heavy reliance creates a precarious situation, especially when payments are delayed.
The data shows 40% of entities are owed money by public administrations, with the Generalitat and local councils as primary debtors. To manage these cash flow shortfalls, 70% of affected organisations resort to credit lines. Others seek financial help from other entities (17%) or postpone planned activities (13%). This dynamic of public reliance and payment delays constantly strains a sector already dealing with immense social challenges. The situation is not dissimilar to funding complexities seen in other publicly supported areas like Catalonia’s charter school system.
Ultimately, the report celebrates the social third sector’s impact while also serving as a stark warning. As a major employer and the primary bulwark against social exclusion for thousands, its stability is critical to the health of Catalan society. Yet, this essential pillar remains on fragile ground without a more reliable and dignified funding model.
