Advertised Selection - Case Studies
Case Study 1 - Large Scottish Police Force - A complex new role in the top management team
A successful outcome required considerable project management skills, close attention to the Client's needs, a collaborative approach, many hours committed over a two month period, attention to detail and professional recruitment and assessment skills.
A new role at Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) level was created to direct non-operational functions including Finance, Administration, Transport, Laboratories etc with budgets of £millions and hundreds of staff. In this first civilian post at ACC level in Scotland, it was crucial to identify and select a top candidate, who would be capable of managing change in diverse functions, while fitting into and gaining respect in a high profile disciplined public sector organisation.
We designed a process within a severely limited timescale:
- developed a comprehensive application package with details of the role and background to the Force, candidate specification, terms and conditions, the process, timescales and a customised application form (for positive vetting);
- drafted wording of an advertisement, identified media and advertised in both specialist and national media to cover the market broadly;
- screened a wide range of high calibre applicants with varied backgrounds from across UK; and
- conducted initial interviews and reported our findings to the selection panel with recommendations.
Working closely with the Deputy CC we designed a full assessment day for 8 long list candidates:
- a short tour of headquarters and of an operational station with freedom to question anyone;
- comprehensive psychometric assessment;
- in-tray exercises; and round table discussions monitored by the Assistant CCs, the appointee's future colleagues.
Several excellent candidates stood out clearly. We reported results back to the panel. On the final interview day five candidates made a formal presentation on a given relevant topic and were further interviewed in depth by a panel. The Chief Constable was able to appoint confidently. The candidates were able to make an informed choice. The appointee has been in post successfully for several years.
Many recruitment assignments on behalf of private and public sector clients are less demanding but we recognise that the Universe generally tends to chaos(!) so we bring the same skills, commitment and professionalism to every project to ensure a successful outcome.