Hilary Channing Associates

Executive Search, Governance and Coaching for the not-for-profit sector

Working with organisations that make a difference, from housing associations to charities — to help you find the right leadership talent.

Executive Search, Governance and Coaching for not-for-profit sector

Working with organisations that make a difference, from housing associations to charities — to help you find the right leadership talent.

Introducing the right talent
to your opportunity

With decades of experience in the not-for-profit and third sectors, we understand your unique challenges and what it takes to find the right people to help you lead with impact.

Whether you’re seeking board advisory services, executive search or interim leadership, we’re your trusted partner. Our approach is responsive, insightful and completely focused on doing the right thing for you.

Our Services

With over 25 years experience working primarily in housing and charity sectors, we deliver tailored, practical support that reflects your values, culture, and challenges. You won’t find automated systems, multiple layers of consultants or mass-produced candidate lists here. We provide an honest, personal service and results you can trust.

Services for not-for-profits

At Hilary Channing Associates, we don’t just fill roles. We help purpose-led organisations build stronger leadership, better boards, and confident executives.

Governance Services

Expert support to help you build, review and strengthen your board.

We help you find, capture and place Non – Executive Directors, Chairs, Committee Chairs, Board Members and Trustees. Every search is fully bespoke.

Executive Search

Recruiting with care, insight and discretion.

We specialise in finding and placing exceptional leaders across the housing and charity sectors. We go beyond CVs to understand character, values, and strategic fit.

Interim Leadership

Reliable, well-matched interim executives, ready when you need them.

We maintain close connections with high-quality, values-aligned professionals across executive and board levels. If you need immediate cover or a specialist for a key project, we can help.

Governance Services

Expert support to help you build,
review and strengthen your board.

We help you find, capture and place Non – Executive Directors, Chairs, Committee Chairs, Board Members and Trustees. Every search is fully bespoke.

Executive Search

Recruiting with care, insight and discretion.

We specialise in finding and placing exceptional leaders across the housing and charity sectors. We go beyond CVs to understand character, values, and strategic fit.

Interim Leadership

Reliable, well-matched interim executives,
ready when you need them.

We maintain close connections with high-quality, values-aligned professionals across executive and board levels. If you need immediate cover or a specialist for a key project, we can help.

Services for Individuals

We work with individuals to bring clarity, confidence and focus, so you can step forward and be seen at your best.

At some point in your career, you’ll find yourself in an interview – and when the competition is strong, it’s not just about ticking boxes. It’s about showing who you are, what you bring, and why you care. We help you articulate your skills, experience and values in a way that feels true to you.

Coaching & Mentoring

Confident, capable, career-ready leaders.

We provide confidential, one-to-one coaching for senior leaders, emerging executives and candidates preparing for significant career steps.

Coaching & Mentoring

Confident, capable, career-ready leaders.

We provide confidential, one-to-one coaching for senior leaders, emerging executives and candidates preparing for significant career steps.

Why Work with us?

When you work with Hilary Channing Associates, you deal directly with me, Hilary. There’s no handover or corporate layers, just straightforward, personal support from someone who understands the not-for-profit sector from the inside out.

Organisations like yours face unique challenges and Hilary Channing Associates bring both practical experience and empathy to help navigate them. Whether it’s finding the right person for a senior role or supporting someone through a leadership transition, we take the time to get it right.

Clients tell us they value the way we listen, keep them informed, and stay focused on what’s best for their organisation. We’re careful not to take on too much at once, so we can give each project the attention it needs.

We aim to be a steady, thoughtful presence, offering insight, support and space to think things through. Our work is rooted in trust, discretion and a shared commitment to helping you do good work.

Our Values

Honesty

We believe in straightforward, transparent communication. Whether it’s managing expectations, giving feedback, or discussing what’s realistic, we’ll always be honest – with clients and candidates alike. It builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Problem Solving

Every brief, candidate or challenge brings something unique. We don’t apply one-size-fits-all solutions — we listen carefully, think things through, and find practical ways forward. We’re here to help untangle the tricky bits and offer calm, clear guidance when it’s needed most.

 

Responsiveness

We don’t leave people waiting. Whether you’re a client needing a quick steer or a candidate with questions before an interview, you can expect a reply – often the same day. Being available and present is a big part of what makes our support feel personal and dependable.

What others say about us

Recruited new board members and Chair of Board – Recruited members of the staff team – Advice on pay and board remuneration

Hilary’s honesty and integrity is one of the things I value most.  She genuinely wants to find the right candidate that fits the organisation who has the rights skills and abilities to do the job.  She would not put anyone forward that she feels is not right.  She is genuinely a pleasure to work with. 

Hilary has undertaken all of our recruitment for both Board and staff at CGHA.  She takes the stress out of recruitment.  She produces the recruitment pack, handles the adverts and any questions/queries that arise from candidates, shortlists and then sets up all the interviews.  Post interview she will handle all of the contacting of unsuccessful candidates and sorting out references for the successful candidate.  It is an end to end service that is of a very high quality.  Hilary has always found excellent candidates for us that for a small organisation could prove very difficult.  Hilary has allowed CGHA to “punch above its weight” in the quality of candidates it can recruit.

Hilary is professional and well connected.  She is friendly and approachable.  She always puts a project brief together which is agreed with the client.  She always delivers on what has been agreed re price and timescales.  She is perceptive and will pinpoint any concerns she has about a candidate’s suitability for a job.  I wouldn’t want to use anyone else as Hilary cares about who she recruits on behalf on an organisation. 

Julia Potter (Chief Executive)

Chichester Greyfriars Housing Association

Work with us

We are here to support you in any way we can, please give us a call on 07718 627740

Hilary Channing Associates Executive Search Governance and Coaching for the not-for-profit sector