Here are a few highlights of what clients and candidates across the public sector have to say about CIPFA-Penna recruitment.
Clients
West Mercia Police - Head of Finance
‘We were looking for an unusual combination of skills. We came to Penna and they were able to give us the confidence that they could find a good selection of potential candidates. We had sufficient quality applicants for shortlisting and a choice of people appointable to the post. Penna kept to the agreed timescales and our preferred candidate started when we needed them to. I would recommend Penna.’
Andy Champness, Chief Executive, West Mercia Police
Caerphilly CBC - Head of Finance (Dep s151)
‘Caerphilly CBC was seeking to appoint a Deputy Section 151 Officer but failed to attract enough applicants through our traditional recruitment route. The council therefore secured the services of Penna to provide a more targeted and robust approach to overcome the challenges we were experiencing. The approach was focussed on targeting more suitable candidates with the exact skills and levels of experience required, with Penna managing the campaign and putting steps in place to help ensure a better opportunity of a credible shortlist to interview. This resulted in a successful outcome with a longlist of suitable candidates from which a strong shortlist and ultimately an appointment to the role was achieved. The services provided were very professional with regular updates being provided throughout the process and I would highly recommend Penna to those seeking to appoint to key financial roles in their organisations’.
Stephen Harris, Head Of Financial Services & S151 Officer
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters - Finance Business Partner Recruitment Campaign
‘The ESFRS Finance Service is being transformed, a major part of which, is the implementation of the finance business partnering structure. We decided to use CIPFA-Penna, a trusted brand, as our executive search partner, to increase our reach to potential quality candidates within a challenging financial recruitment environment.
Having a named contact was key to the success of the process, CIPFA-Penna’s hybrid model enabled us to retain control at key stages (e.g., advert, short listing, interviews and selection) whilst freeing us from the time-consuming search part to focus on other priorities. The campaign had a positive outcome in that we were able to make offers to four (4) individuals, so we are in a very happy place. If we had not opted to select CIPFA-Penna this would have affected our ability to deliver critical financial services. We tapped into the expertise and capacity of CIPFA- Penna enabling us to fill the new FBP structure at a competitive price’.
Parmjeet Jassal CPFA, Interim Finance Development Manager, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Candidates
Interim Head of Financial Planning, Lewes & Eastbourne Councils
‘Just a quick note to say how much I have appreciated working with you. This has been my first interim role and you landed me a great position which I am loving. I signed on with Penna because Catherine and Mizan are helpful, full of info and advice, friendly, not intrusive and get results. I had an initial interview with them which was very positive focussing on my strengths and preferences. They then matched me with appropriate opportunities and I quickly secured a position. I really value the regular check-ups which are appropriately timed and not too often and I know they are there to support if necessary. When my current role ends I feel confident that I will secure another role through Catherine and Mizan - thanks both’.
Lynn Ingram, Interim Head of Financial Planning, Lewes & Eastbourne Councils