Our Approach

Founding Director, Vanessa Moon and her team adopted three key measures for this search; to utilise our extensive community groups, not for profit and voluntary organisations network to broadcast the role effectively, to reach into our connections from the local business and professional services community to discuss the opportunity and to advertise the role, outlining the goals and aspirations of St John’s Foundation and timescales for the appointment.   

Moon Executive Search obtained expressions of interests and CVs from prospective candidates and individuals with the required experience and interests. Vanessa and the team carried out extensive research, conducted detailed candidate interviews and took careful consideration of all the brief requirements. Due to restrictions, the interviews and conversations with the client were all carried out virtually.

The Solution

A diverse shortlist of candidates was presented to the board with detailed notes about their experiences and skill sets. The connections and national network that our consultants have, allows us to pinpoint the desired track records of leaders who have the ability and foresight to oversee transformation that will improve the local environment that they operate in.

We were delighted to present a shortlist to the Board who agreed to offer Trustee roles to the following individuals:

Jeffrey Hayes, who brings significant investment and fund management experience, as well as Charity and Chair experience and has worked with St John’s Foundation previously on their investment committee. 

Carole Stott OBE MBE, Bath based, who brings extensive Chair and Governor experience across Education and charities.

John Lakin, an independent Bath based Non-Executive with extensive experience in education and children’s services at the national and local level.

Jamal Benmiloud who brings extensive commercial experience to the board as a brand development expert and is a Non-Exec of Huell and ex Monster Energy.  

Vanessa Moon, Founding Director of Moon Executive Search said:

‘This was a great search to work on for such a historic organisation. There was huge interest in the roles, and we are very pleased to have presented a shortlist of leaders that matched the brief from the client that should help them achieve their 10-year plan.’

Ben Fletcher, Chair of the Board commented:

‘We are very happy that Vanessa and the team at Moon Executive Search could unearth the candidates they did. Although the restrictions made the hiring process entirely virtual, the calibre of the shortlist was very impressive. With the new Trustees, the Board and team can begin to implement and execute our 10-year strategy and keep delivering the support that the St Johns Foundation started with all those centuries ago.

David Hobdey, Chief Executive said:

‘I really enjoyed working with Vanessa and was impressed with the breadth and calibre of candidates presented. We chose Moon because of their reputation and experience and were very pleased with the results. We would recommend Moon Executive Search to any organisation going through leadership change.’

From detailed discussions with the client, the Moon Executive Search team understood that St Johns Foundation was looking to find individuals with expertise in investment management, social and related support services for vulnerable people including children’s social services, children’s development, and education or with experience in corporate or charity governance.

The Board were seeking to attract new Trustees who would buy-in to the new direction and have the energy, skills, and desire to help St John’s Foundation on their ambitious journey.

The Challenge

The ideal candidate would demonstrate a strong passion and commitment to the Foundation, its history and charitable ethos. Due to the reputation of St John’s Foundation, there was a high volume of interest from the candidates and the biggest challenge was ensuring that the shortlist covered each skillset whilst remaining diverse and well-balanced.