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Public Sector, Not-for-Profit & Charity Executive Search
Robert Walters is one of the leading public sector executive search and not for profit executive search firms, Robert Walters helps government bodies, local authorities, public sector organisations, charities, housing associations, education providers and non-profit organisations appoint exceptional senior leaders. Our executive search specialists identify C-suite and senior leadership talent capable of driving organisational performance, delivering social impact and leading transformation in complex stakeholder environments.
Leadership Recruitment for the UK's Public Sector & Not-for-Profit Sector
The UK's public sector and not-for-profit landscape continues to evolve rapidly, driven by funding pressures, regulatory change, digital transformation and increasing demands for service delivery and social impact. As organisations navigate these challenges, the demand for experienced executives has never been greater.
Our public sector executive search and charity executive search specialists partner with government departments, public bodies, local authorities, charities, housing associations, educational institutions and social enterprises to identify leaders who can successfully balance governance, operational excellence and mission-driven outcomes.
From growth-focused leadership appointments to organisational transformation and succession planning initiatives, Robert Walters delivers tailored industry executive search solutions across the UK's public sector and not-for-profit landscape. Our expertise spans operations, finance, governance, policy, technology, people, communications and commercial leadership functions.
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Whether you are replacing a key executive or building out your senior leadership team, our specialists can help you secure the talent your organisation needs to perform.
Chief Executive Officer
CEO
The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in an organisation, responsible for setting strategic direction, driving performance and representing the business to its board, stakeholders and the market.
Chief Financial Officer
CFO
The CFO oversees the financial health of the organisation, leading financial planning, risk management, reporting and capital strategy to support sustainable growth and commercial decision-making.
Chief Technology Officer
CTO
The CTO leads the organisation's technology strategy, overseeing infrastructure, digital transformation and innovation to drive competitive advantage and operational capability.
Chief Operating Officer
COO
The COO is responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the business, translating strategy into execution and ensuring the organisation runs efficiently and at scale.
Chief People Officer
CPO
The CPO is responsible for the organisation's people strategy, encompassing talent acquisition, culture, leadership development, employee experience and workforce planning.
Chief Commercial Officer
CCO
The CCO is responsible for revenue growth, customer acquisition and commercial strategy, aligning business objectives with market opportunities.
Chief Marketing Officer
CMO
The CMO leads brand, marketing and customer strategy, driving growth through market positioning and the development of campaigns that build brand equity, deepen audience connection and deliver measurable commercial results.
Executive assignments delivered for
Our Public Sector & Not-for-Profit Executive Recruiters
Ben Appleton
Business Director
Manchester, United Kingdom
With 20+ years of recruitment expertise, Ben partners with engineering and manufacturing organisations to secure transformational ...
Ben Litvinoff
Associate Director
London, United Kingdom
Ben leads Robert Walters' Technology, Transformation and GTM teams across UK&I. Recognised as an RW Global High Achiever 3 times, ...
George Mellor
Business Director
Manchester, United Kingdom
George has over 14 years' experience in executive search, consultancy and workforce solutions, specialising in senior commercial, ...
Howard Green
Business Director
London, United Kingdom
Howard Green leads executive search at Robert Walters, advising boards and CEOs on senior hires, succession and growth. Former sea...
Our track record
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47
Years of combined executive search experience across our team
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80%
Of clients return to us for their next executive search
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10
Week average time to place an executive leader in a new role
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100%
Of executives we have helped would recommend our services
Our executive insights
Explore more executive insights
Anabas Case Study
Anabas, a leading Facilities Management business for corporate workplaces, were confidentially looking for a successor to their Managing Director, who was transitioning into a Chairman role. The current MD and HR Director approached four Executive Search businesses, and Robert Walters was successful
Read More
Global Talent Solutions: Seadrill Case Study
Seadrill, a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest international offshore drilling organizations, engaged Robert Walters to act as their recruitment partner for a critical Global Tax Director search. With headquarters in Norway and plans to relocate to the UK within two to five years, Seadrill r
Read More
European Finance Director
Our client, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, is a global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products. With operations spanning across multiple regions, Dechra focuses on delivering high-quality solutions to improve animal health and welfare. Headquartered in the UK, they have a strong presence
Read MoreWhat our clients say
At Robert Walters, we believe our success comes from the success of our clients and candidates. We're not just recruitment experts; we're partners in crafting your success story.
“From commencing the search to securing an accepted offer, the entire process was completed in just six weeks. For a Managing Director appointment, this was an exceptional achievement. Throughout the process, Howard maintained excellent communication, provided honest and balanced advice, and managed both candidates and stakeholders professionally and discreetly. The quality of the candidates presented was particularly impressive. Every individual introduced was credible, well-qualified and thoroughly assessed against our requirements. Howard demonstrated a strong understanding of both technical capability and cultural fit, ensuring that the shortlist reflected not only the skills required for the role but also the leadership style and values that were important to our organisation.”
Managing Director
Anabas
Fortune 500 Global Tax Director Search
"We were very pleased with the service provided by Robert Walters in our search for a new Global Tax Director. More specifically, we were impressed by their great ability to understand us as a client, including our culture, needs, and our industry. We felt that Robert Walters prioritized Seadrill’s requirements and kept in constant communication with us. The result has been that we have found an excellent resource and the process was made very simple."
“Robert Walters is truly great at their job—knowledgeable, supportive, and able to strike the right balance in communication, keeping you informed throughout the process at the right time and in the right way. They are genuinely focused on achieving the best outcome for all parties, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.”
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Our Executive Search team
Robert Walters Executive Search is the UK's specialist partner for C-suite, senior leadership and board appointments. As one of the leading industry executive search firms, we connect some of the UK's most influential public sector and not-for-profit organisations with the exceptional leaders they need to transform services, deliver impact and achieve strategic goals. Our industry executive recruiters combine deep market expertise with the reach of one of the world's most trusted talent solutions businesses.FAQs
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What is public sector executive search?
Public sector executive search is a specialist recruitment service focused on identifying and securing senior leaders within government, public bodies, education providers, housing associations and other publicly funded organisations. It involves a structured, research-led process that assesses leadership capability, governance expertise, stakeholder management and long-term potential to ensure successful appointments. -
What is not for profit executive search?
Not for profit executive search focuses on identifying senior leaders for charities, foundations, social enterprises and membership organisations. The process goes beyond traditional recruitment to assess candidates' leadership credentials, values alignment, fundraising experience and ability to deliver meaningful social impact. -
What are the benefits of partnering with a public sector or charity executive search firm?
Access to top talent: Public sector executive search and charity executive search firms maintain extensive networks of senior leaders across government, healthcare, education, housing and voluntary sector organisations, providing access to candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities.
Industry expertise: Our specialists understand the governance, funding, regulatory and operational challenges facing public sector and not-for-profit organisations, ensuring candidates are assessed against the factors that matter most for long-term success.
Streamlined recruitment: We manage the end-to-end search process, from market mapping and candidate engagement through to assessment and shortlisting, helping organisations reduce hiring risk and secure exceptional talent efficiently.
Strategic advantage: Appointing proven leadership talent can strengthen service delivery, improve organisational effectiveness, support transformation initiatives and enhance long-term impact.
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What are the current executive hiring trends in the UK's public sector and not-for-profit sector?
Demand for senior leaders across the UK's public sector and not-for-profit landscape remains strong as organisations continue to respond to evolving community needs, budgetary pressures and digital transformation initiatives.
There is growing demand for executives with expertise in organisational transformation, governance, stakeholder engagement, digital services, people leadership and strategy. Organisations are increasingly seeking leaders who can balance operational excellence with social impact while navigating complex regulatory and funding environments.
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Why use specialist industry headhunters for public sector and not-for-profit leadership roles?
Working with specialist industry headhunters provides access to senior leadership talent with the expertise needed to succeed in highly accountable and mission-led environments. Public sector and not-for-profit organisations face unique challenges, including funding constraints, governance responsibilities, public scrutiny and increasing demand for services.
Our industry executive search specialists understand the leadership, governance and stakeholder management requirements of senior roles across government, charities, housing, education, healthcare and social enterprises. Through a targeted and research-led approach, we help organisations identify, assess and secure executives who can drive organisational performance, deliver meaningful outcomes and create lasting impact.