Wickland Westcott

EST - Recruiting the Best of the Best

Recruiting two non-executive Directors to join the Board of Energy Saving Trust, a high profile, not-for-profit organisation, funded by government and the private sector, is not a task for the faint-hearted as Ian Richardson of Wickland Westcott explains:

"Our client the Energy Saving Trust wanted to supplement the current Board with two new appointees who would bring successful business backgrounds and a genuine commitment to environmental issues."

Formed after the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the Energy Saving Trust is at the forefront of tackling climate change in the UK. It promotes sustainable energy in households and transport through the reduction of energy use, improving energy efficiency, and developing mass market renewable energy.

Finding suitable candidates for such an organisation, with its ambitious reduction targets and truly worthy aims, is a complex and delicate matter.

In order to ensure a thorough examination of the market, it was agreed that Wickland Westcott would advertise the opportunity in the Sunday Times and simultaneously search with a particular emphasis on ensuring full coverage throughout the UK.

An exceptional response

In the current climate it is still very difficult to attract exceptional talent, yet we were inundated with interest both from the search and the advertising channels as Ian continues:

"I was astonished at the interest and, in some cases, genuine passion that people felt at Board level. Having such an array of excellent candidates was a real joy, although presented a challenge when having to whittle down a shortlist and feedback to unsuccessful candidates of such quality".

A successful conclusion

Ultimately, Energy Saving Trust appointed Sir Simon Milton, currently Leader of Westminster Council and Mike Fairey, Deputy Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB both of whom joined the Board earlier this year.