Wickland Westcott

University of Salford Director of Finance

With around 2,500 staff and 18,000 students, the University of Salford is internationally recognised for its enterprise, collaboration with business and knowledge transfer. It is also rightly proud of its excellent research and teaching activities, and its successes in widening participation and international activities - with a student body drawn from over 80 countries.  Through its Strategic Plan, the University has set out its medium-term aspirations to reposition itself nationally and internationally as a top quartile institution by 2017.

In Autumn 2010, the University’s Director of Finance declared his intention to retire and Wickland Westcott was commissioned to recruit his successor.  The timing of the search coincided with considerable upheaval in the University sector as the Browne report, the Comprehensive Spending Review and the harsh economic climate presented universities across the UK with an unprecedented need for rapid transformation. The University of Salford had already adopted a proactive position in this new era by embarking upon a major change and modernisation programme and it was essential that the specification for the Director of Finance search should take account of this.  The assignment brief therefore was expanded to target not just other universities, but also comparable organisations in other parts of the public sector, commercial undertakings, professional services and major enterprises. The requirement was to identify candidates who could bring a fresh approach, generate new ideas and provide commercial thinking into the University’s financial strategy and operations.  A crucial element in the process was to find individuals with the right personal fit, which would equip them to transition successfully into the university environment and gain trust and co-operation from their senior academic colleagues.

Prospective candidates and sources were targeted through advertisements in national media, on-line activity and targeted executive search.  Shortlisted candidates were measured against the assignment brief by Wickland Westcott using rigorous interviews, referencing and psychometric assessment prior to final interview by the University interview Panel.  In order to thoroughly investigate personal fit, shortlist candidates were also invited to meet with the Deputy Vice Chancellor for an informal discussion.  At the Panel interview, the interview and assessment reports prepared by Wickland Westcott formed the basis of the interview process, complemented by the use of independent finance experts to thoroughly review the candidates’ technical expertise.

The successful candidate, Karen Brown, will become the new Director of Finance in June 2011, joining the University from Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust where she was Executive Director, Finance.  Prior to this she held senior finance positions at Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Interpol and the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS).

Keith Watkinson, Executive Director of Human Resources for the University of Salford was pleased with the appointment and the quality of service provided by Wickland Westcott, commenting that: 
"The University was particularly impressed with the consultants’ interpretation of the brief, the quality of shortlisted candidates assembled for interview and the rigour of the search, interview and assessment services provided."