The partners in Dickinson Smith Buss have been supporting the Environment Agency to recruit senior level people since 2000. We have built a strong working relationship with key people within the National Recruitment team in addition to working directly for a number of the Directors and Senior Managers. Our initial success was formally recognised when we were approved as a preferred supplier by formal tender in 2001, this was renewed (by formal tender) in 2004, and this contract further extended until 2009.

Since that time we have:

• Handled 38 recruitment assignments leading to 37 successful appointments.
• Worked in every one of the 8 regions including being involved in the appointment of 4 of the Regional directors (all of whom are still with the Environment Agency today).
• Undertaken assignments for Head Office (both Bristol and London) including the appointment of the Head of Internal Audit reporting directly to the Chief Executive.
• Successfully completed a number of multiple assignments including the recruitment of 4 Area Managers which generated a response of over 1100 applicants.
• Used a range of approaches included Advertising, Executive Search and a combination of both.
• Handled a small number of screening only projects (including in 2008 Policy and Strategy Advisors for Cardiff and Bristol, which led to several successful appointments).
• Handled the recruitment of Head of Environmental Policy which resulted in the appointment of two candidates from one shortlist.
• Worked across most of the directorates, including, Water Quality, Operations, Commercial & Procurement, Finance, Flood Risk Management, Strategy, Policy.

Following an annual review in 2007 the Environment Agency asked us to help train their internal recruitment team in the Management of Senior level recruitment projects. Working closely with them we designed and delivered a one day training course for 9 people which enabled the team to manage key aspects of the recruitment process in-house which has led to a significant reduction in their recruitment costs.

Throughout our relationship with the Environment Agency we have adapted our processes to fit with their systems and have specifically designed reports to reflect their internal requirements.

Our success rate comes from working closely in partnership with the Environment Agency, taking time to understand and contribute to the brief, advising on market conditions, and establishing a clear assignment plan from the outset. We supply regular reports and updates on assignments and on the rare occasion where we have “hit a problem” we advise the client manager as soon as possible, to discuss and identify possible solutions.

We recognise the importance of managing candidates with sensitivity and professionalism and briefing them fully on the role and the process so that there are “no surprises” at any stage of the assignment. We have on many occasions included internal candidates as part of our process. All interviewed candidates are offered feedback on the results of their interview with us.

We support all of our clients in the drive to improve Diversity and have worked closely with the Environment Agency to ensure that wherever possible we have delivered a balanced shortlist.