They work with businesses in several ways: from designing bespoke job specific training packages to meet both the employer and person’s needs, to providing expert training, advice and delivery from the only further education college in Bristol. For example, they provide over 50 short, online college courses such as Mental Health Awareness, Principles for Digital Skills, Lean Organisation Management Techniques, Understanding Stewarding at Spectator Events, Behaviour that Challenges in Children, Understanding Autism and Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker.

In addition, they advise on funding streams such as the apprenticeship levy and other associated reforms and they can also cater for training resource requirements including venue hire and library resources.

The Challenge

Partners in Bristol approached Moon as they were looking to appoint a Non-Executive Director to join a new Advisory Board as an important independent voice.

It was crucial to find an Independent Director with a business background and an understanding of employer needs in the City, coupled with a commitment to support employers and help them improve the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds through education and training.

A key consideration for this search was to ensure the shortlist reflected the strong commitment by Partners in Bristol to equality and diversity; the organisation firmly believe that the best Boards reflect the population and wider local communities they serve and as such when a vacancy arises, they seek to draw prospective candidates from a broad set of backgrounds and focus on appointing based on merit and an individual’s qualification, skills and experience.

Vanessa Moon, Founding Director, used her extensive Non-Exec search expertise as well as her broad network to search thoroughly in the South West, considering the reach and breadth of the role and seeking those for whom the College mission resonated with:

‘We pride ourselves on delivering the best possible support and guidance to each and every individual, from all walks of life. The person should also demonstrate independence and a balanced view and an understanding of the breadth of employers and their needs within Bristol. The role of the College is, ’to enable access to higher learning, employment and career progression through the development of technical and vocational skills and professional behaviours.’

We then began to map the existing market, utilising our extensive knowledge of the executive finance market and adopting a thorough national search into both FTSE listed businesses and organisations with a group matrix operating structure, who may potentially have candidates offering the requisite skill sets. Our research included undertaking a forensic analysis of candidate backgrounds and track records, their current companies and perceived career motivations.

Having met with all candidates to conduct a first stage interview, during which we assessed their qualifications, experience and skills, we presented our recommended shortlist to Pennon with detailed notes for each candidate. We had ongoing discussions with all stakeholders to consider each candidate’s strengths and ensured that candidates were supported with detailed information at every step of the way.

Our Solution

This was a successful campaign, and Simon Face was appointed as their first Independent Non-Executive Director. Simon has held senior level regional leadership roles at the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) with a background in business to business marketing and general management. Most recently he was the Regional Director for the IoD in the South West. 

Andy Forbes, CEO of City of Bristol College, comments:

‘Moon know the college so well and discussed our needs in detail before starting the search for us. I was delighted with the quality and breadth of experience of the Non-Executive they found for us. We have welcomed Simon on Board and are enjoying working with him.’ 

Vanessa comments:

‘I have known both City of Bristol College and Simon Face for several years, so I knew that there would be a strong and relevant connection by introducing them. Simon has also shown the upmost regard for the College values and has the utmost integrity, bringing an amazing network in Bristol. I am sure he will add huge value to the Board of Partners in Bristol.’

So it was important for Vanessa to ensure she selected against the values of City of Bristol College, namely Integrity, Respect, Ambition and Pride. As such, she looked for a clear empathy with those values for specific evidence-based examples of these traits in the interview process.

Following strategic reach outs, Vanessa conducted detailed candidate interviews, which helped draw out motivations and suitability and after careful consideration, presented a shortlist of candidates for the Board of Partners in Bristol and their stakeholders to consider for formal interviews.