Leaders in Executive Search

1. Leaders in Executive Search We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.

2. Women and Public AppointmentsJulia Oliver, Odgers Berndtson.Julia.oliver@odgersberndtson.co.uk 0207 529 1140

3. Current context and future challenges • new targets for public appointments with regard to gender and diversity: 50% women, 14% disabled people, 11% people from ethnic minorities • what the current statistics for public appointments tell us • the economic climate and candidate pool • attracting more candidates from these groups • removing obstacles • working together - ideas for improvement to the process • embedding cultural change • general election in 2010

4. Looking at gender specifically over the last 12 months: Total applicants: Male 77% Female 23% Longlisted candidates: Male 73% Female 28% Shortlisted candidates: Male 69% Female 31% Placed Male 64% Female 36% Our statistics across Public and NFP Practices at OB

5. How we deliver • working in partnership with the client and the OCPA assessor • assisting with the role profile • project management of whole process with full administrative support • regular communication with the client and OCPA assessor and updates on progress • understanding and communicating the brief to candidates • writing and placing the advertisement if required • Extensive, targeted and high calibre search capacity across sector Practices • Sift of all applicants against the person specification • robust interviewing at our premises against the criteria given on the person specification • high quality information and reports at each stage of the process including candidate brief, sift of applications, longlist and shortlist reports, final panel documentation and equality statistics • preparing candidates • coordination of information and process with the OCPA assessor • handling feedback for all unsuccessful candidates

6. Search Process and Timings

7. Where we add value • robust and transparent recruitment process • unrivalled search expertise across commercial, charity and public services • strong track record in recruiting to non executive and Public Board appointments • knowledge and understanding of the government and NDPB sector and an understanding of the leadership skills required of a Public Board member • experience with equality and diversity issues • critical friend to the panel • creativity and intelligence in establishing a diverse longlist • candidate advocacy • focus on excellence in client and candidate care

8. Examples of skills and attributes required • a successful track record as a leader at senior level in a complex organisation • complete integrity • competence and authority • strategic capacity and breadth of vision • an understanding of governance arrangements • familiarity with performance indicators and risk management • a particular qualification if appropriate • communication and influencing skills • demonstrable interest in the subject area • commitment to the seven principles of public life

9. How can you achieve a successful appointment • always contact the consultants to discuss the requirements of the role before applying • apply a degree of self awareness and realism in your expectations • do as much preparation and homework as possible on the organisation, the context and current board membership • think yourself into the role and focus on your unique skills that will add value to the organisation as a board member and articulate these in your application • always state why you want this position • follow the rules of application to the letter • ensure that you discuss feedback on each stage of the process • use the consultant as a coach • prepare well for the final interview which will be a formal panel

10. Ideas for improvement • a truly diverse panel • improved role specifications • focus on managing expectations and candidate coaching • recruitment consultant to attend final panel • honest feedback to the candidate • regular evaluation of the monitoring statistics • robust training of all junior and senior staff involved in the process

11. Industries Arts and Heritage Aviation Business and Professional Services Central Government Charities and Not for Profit Consumer Products and Services Education Energy, Manufacturing and Infrastructure Financial Services Healthcare Information, Communication and Entertainment Life Sciences Local Government Regeneration Retail Sports and Leisure Technology Functions Board and CEO Corporate Communications Financial Management Human Resources IT Management Legal and Company Secretarial Private Equity and Venture Capital Procurement and Supply Chain Our Practices

12. Leaders in Executive Search info@odgersberndtson.co.ukwww.odgersberndtson.co.uk