A NEW bespoke executive and board-level recruitment agency launched by the CO3 (chief officers third sector) body says it will 'challenge old industry models'.
Engage Executive Talent is a social enterprise that offers a holistic full-service recruitment package to organisations in the public, private and third sectors.
Led by CO3 chief executive Nora Smith and newly appointed director Patrick Minne, Engage recruits highly talented people at chief executive, board and senior management level on both a permanent and interim basis.
The recruitment service has evolved under the direction of Nora at CO3 since 2014.
Initially addressing executive recruitment needs in the third sector, it now meets a growing need in the private and public sectors that goes further than simply appointing new leaders.
The recruitment team works with clients to secure talented individuals and continue that work after appointment to support the appointee in their new role and offer a suite of development opportunities and ongoing peer to peer support.
The launch of the service under its new dedicated brand, Engage Executive Talent demonstrates a statement of intent from the agency, growing to meet an increasing demand for a highly specialist recruitment service that does more.
Director Patrick Minne said: “This is a service whose design incorporates 30 years of CO3’s experience in the service of third sector leaders, encompassing permanent and interim executive and board appointments for a wide range of organisations and, crucially, that includes ongoing support after appointment.
“The demand for the service has led us to this point where we are formally launching a highly specialised recruitment consultancy aimed at matching experienced and talented individuals who have the right values and motivation, with organisations and boards that require their expertise and ability.
“Our CO3 heritage means that we’re driven by our ethics, but we compete on service quality.”
The new and innovative approach to recruitment is something that has been shaped over several years by CO3 chief executive Nora Smith.
She said: “A recent survey we carried out with CEOs and directors found that more than 61 per cent do not have plans in place about what to do when someone senior leaves the organisation. I found this surprisingly high.
“We know from working with chief executives and directors over the years that succession can be challenging, so Engage will support them in deciding the best way forward.
“Filling a permanent role may be the answer, but the interim service is also an effective tool to help stabilise organisations in transition and smooth the road for a permanent successor.
“We not only provide a first-class appointments service, but provide support after the appointment to ensure the new postholder maximises impact in their new role.”
