The Requirement

In October 2021, Finegreen were commissioned by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust (HWCT) who had a requirement to appoint a Director of Nursing & Quality. At the start of the campaign, we allocated an industry experienced Account Manager (AM) and Deputy, to act as HWCT’s single point of contact - responsible for working collaboratively to understand their needs, including organisational culture, challenges and opportunities. Finegreen’s brief was to identify individuals who could evidence an ability to develop and implement strategy in relation to the Clinical workforce. They would need to build and lead a high performing function and have the skills and experience to be effective and influential in a large and complex organisation. Most importantly, they would need to have values aligned to those of the Trust.

The Solution 

Production of copy and artwork for briefing packs, advertising and advertorials

• Coordinating a nationwide targeted search for suitable candidates

• A national press, social media and marketing campaign

• Initial candidate assessments and shortlisting interviews

• Design and delivery of managed assessment day

We also conducted marketing exercises to alert suitable candidates from within our network, including historic and current candidates registered on our database. This network/database consists of over 5.000 contacts, operating as senior healthcare managers in the NHS and wider Healthcare sector. We created an ‘Employee Value Proposition’ (EVP), aligned to best practice and standards and agreed the best ways to market their EVP. We also considered their aspirations and intentions, in relation to EDI and improving the diversity of their senior leadership team. Following the application closing date, candidates were screened and assessed against the person specification. Successful candidates were then invited to attend a shortlisting interview with trained Finegreen consultants to further explore competencies and values.

A shortlist of applicants was then submitted to the Trust, alongside summary interview notes. Finegreen also supported in facilitating virtual focus groups, final interviews with HWCT, including arranging informal calls with key stakeholders, developing the focus group assessment process, providing the interview panel with a variety of potential questions, sending interview confirmation letters and briefing/ preparing candidates for final interview. Throughout the process the AM attended operational service review meetings and provided HWCT with detailed Management Information to ensure ongoing success and value for money, seeking feedback throughout each stage of the process through customer and candidate surveys.

The Outcome

Our search attracted a pool of 49 applicants. Ten were invited for shortlisting with five candidates getting through to final interviews and assessments. A successful appointment was made - with more than one candidate being considered ‘appointable and employment and vetting checks undertaken to confirm the suitability of the person finally appointed. Finegreen have gone on to develop a strong working relationship with HWCT, which has resulted in a number of other successful appointments.