Central Government & Public Administration

The performance of central government departments and their related agencies is under constant scrutiny, which results in a regular stream of publicity, not all of it good. The attention which central government receives makes recruitment in the sector highly sensitive and complex. The constantly changing nature of the policy landscape, political climate and issues such as diversity and efficiency targets have also resulted in challenges that the civil service must meet. However, whilst the landscape and structures of departments and other relevant bodies evolve, there is one thing that has remained constant: the need for top quality talent.

Odgers Berndtson’s is the acknowledged leader in Executive Search in the central government sector. Our specialist consultants bring a deep understanding and many years of experience to the task of finding exceptional talent, capable of meeting the serious challenges across this broad sector, including:

• Government departments
• Executive agencies
• Non departmental public bodies
• Arm's length bodies

These clients need individuals who are able to deliver value and efficiency. The public sector faces demanding efficiency targets as part of the Operational Efficiency Programme, which will effect all public sector organisations in the coming years. In addition, the Civil Service continues to place a heavy emphasis on increasing the diversity of its senior staff. Delivering a demanding policy agenda, with the pressures of tightening budgets and potential widespread political changes, recruitment in government and its bodies and agencies is more demanding of rigor, integrity and tenacity than ever before.

We are uniquely placed to deliver against this demanding agenda. Our Central Government & Public Administration specialists have unparalleled national and international reach across both public and private sectors, which was recognised when we were ranked first in the recent Cabinet Office executive search framework agreement tendering process.

As part of our strategy to continue to improve our services we have created a series of key account teams. With specific account managers responsible for forming strategic relationships with each department, we will better understand the pressures faced by individual departments, and consequently have the capability to deliver a more bespoke service than our competitors. Where appropriate our teams will include our colleagues from across Odgers Berndtson’s commercial and wider public sector business, including functional experts. We believe that by utilising our unparalleled expertise in all sectors of the economy, we can provide a more innovative and ultimately higher quality service to central government.

Our function experts can advise on specific roles and our Interim Management and Select teams can help to fulfil temporary and middle management roles. Our assessment team also offers a wide range of assessment solutions for clients in central government.

For more information on public administration or central government recruitment, contact Giles Naylor +44 207 529 6312 or Nicky Oppenheimer +44 207 529 1052.