Our core team
Gweneth Rushton
Partner
After a successful HR career in both Retail and FMCG, I decided to venture out and set up my own HR Search business. Why? As a client I struggled to find a dedicated specialist provider in the HR field that was passionate about what they offered, and laser focused on meeting client expectations.
Fast forward to the present day and my decision has validated itself many times over. With my partner Gail and our great team, we believe that we really have created something special. Furthermore, it’s not only us that hold this view – our extensive client list tells us likewise.
We make sure that every assignment is a ‘from the ground up’ process. This means we avoid the ‘cut and paste’ style of many competitors and tailor a bespoke plan that is totally sympathetic to our client’s culture, values, ambitions and strategy. Clients receive unrivalled attention at each and every stage and will always find our communication timely, honest and informative.
As for me, I will give you not only the benefit of my business and Search experience but also a warm and pragmatic style of engagement. I believe my passion and belief in our business will come across quickly and my willingness to never disappoint will be ever present. You will always be kept in the loop with no surprises and certainly no compromises. As far as I am concerned, you have engaged us to meet a specific brief and I commit that we won’t deviate from that goal.
To close; let me share a rather ‘left field’ way I sometimes use to determine the degree of a candidate’s fit with a client’s business. After all the selection stages and when the individual is close to being placed on the shortlist, put simply, I ask myself the question, “could I share a long-haul flight to New York followed by dinner with this individual?” Whilst not a scientific approach, if I waiver, I know that the client will too. At the end of the day, gut feel and shared values still go a long way!
Gail Medcalf
Partner
The early part of my career was spent working in generalist HR positions in industry. My ability to deliver the technical aspects of HR was backed up by a CIPD qualification. Talent acquisition has always been an area I have been really drawn to as I believe that getting the right talent on board can really give an organisation the competitive edge.
The second chapter of my career has been dedicated to helping organisations achieve this. Each assignment we are given is a new challenge. The variety of what we do and the range of organisations we support (both large and small) has always been really inspiring. Alongside this, the networks that we have created over the years are extensive.
I feel privileged to handle opportunities on behalf of both the client and the candidates we support. It’s such an important process for both parties as it’s a significant investment of time and energy for both. I aim to facilitate the process to the best of my ability and work on maintaining this balance in the best interests of both parties. One of the most important factors is culture fit and chemistry. This is something that you can try and capture on paper but equally, both parties can hugely benefit from working with a partner like ourselves who has a real focus on this.
Where possible, I apply a coaching mindset to try and ask the right questions at the right time in order to widen perspectives, increase understanding and support development. It is extremely satisfying to see so much career progression and development that has resulted from the many search assignments we have facilitated and successfully delivered on over the years.
Jayne Parkin
Consultant
I’m so fortunate to love my job so much. I’m passionate about introducing great companies to the very best Talent, whether from HR or other professions. This means genuinely understanding the DNA and personality of the organisation – and exactly the type of person it’s seeking. I’m really interested in people behaviour and personality types and my job satisfaction is derived from getting the ‘fit’ and chemistry right.
I believe in quality and fantastic customer service – and thrive on the feedback I have received from clients including Arsenal, the Lawn Tennis Association, City & Guilds, DS Smith and Waitrose.
It’s so rewarding when candidates I have placed become my clients, based on the care and support I have given them on the journey to attain their dream role. I like to respect and treat others as I would like to be treated myself.
My value add is the energy, enthusiasm and transparency I adopt on behalf of my clients to attract and engage the very best talent – many of whom are not actively seeking new roles.
An HR career with organisations including House of Fraser and Debenhams has equipped me to work with agility, pace and commercial aptitude. I’m so excited when clients trust me to be their advocate and to truly get under the skin of their brand and culture; client site visits have included paper mills, football stadiums and the kitchens of a prestigious hotel group!
Finally, I try not to take life too seriously and endeavour to build in fun activities including piano playing, eating at quality restaurants and walking enough ‘steps’ to enable me to do that!
Tracey Pearce
Candidate Manager
Tracey has over 20 years’ HR experience primarily gained at companies such as Max Factor, Revlon and Ralph Lauren, where she also supported various members of the senior executive team, including Gweneth Rushton.
As a trusted previous colleague, Gweneth asked Tracey to join the team in 2013. She has responsibility for our extensive candidate base and also provides overall administrative support.