Wickland Westcott

Boston Mayflower - Recruiting Top Jobs

Boston Mayflower Housing Association was formed in 1999 to manage the housing stock transferred from Boston Borough Council. Following the retirement of the chief executive, the position was temporarily filled on an 'acting' basis. Wickland Westcott was engaged in February 2009 to work with the Board to recruit a new chief executive.

The process initially involved spending a full day with board members reviewing the profile of the role, using our proprietary 'Blueprint' role modelling methodology. This produced agreement on the challenges and opportunities facing the new chief executive and consequently the attributes required in suitable candidates. We placed advertisements in national media and on-line, conducted a targeted search campaign and carried out initial interviews. Shortlisted candidates then undertook in depth one-to-one technical and behavioural assessments, including psychometric testing and a range of work simulation exercises. We then supported the board panel in the final interview process by designing a number of generic and tailored questions which provided information to help them reach their decision. The job was offered to an excellent candidate, who subsequently joined the organisation and has flourished.

In a further assignment, Wickland Westcott consultants were then engaged to find a successor to the long-serving finance director, using a similar recruitment and assessment process. A quality shortlist was again assembled and a successful appointment has been made.

Bridget Lloyd, Assistant Chief Executive for Boston Mayflower commented:

"Throughout the whole process Wickland Westcott consultants listened carefully to our needs and provided excellent support, delivering solutions that fully met the needs of our business".