Helping you find the right top level talent

Executive Search

Discreet, thoughtful recruitment for senior leadership roles

At Hilary Channing Associates, we specialise in placing senior leaders across housing, health, social care and the wider not-for-profit sector. Our approach is built on trust, sector knowledge and a genuine interest in people, not just their CVs.

We understand that recruiting for a Chief Executive, Director or senior post isn’t just about skills and experience. It’s about values, leadership style and emotional intelligence. That’s why we take the time to listen, learn and advise, acting as both a sounding board and a guide throughout the process.

What We Provide

Chief Executive &
Director Level Search

From early scoping through to final appointment, we manage every step with care and discretion.

Candidate Engagement

We don’t just advertise and wait — we actively reach out to individuals we know, and those we identify through tailored research and recommendations.

Shortlisting & Interview Support

All shortlisted candidates are interviewed by us before being presented to you. We provide considered notes, not just summaries — to help you see the full picture.

Candidate Feedback and Care

Every candidate receives thoughtful, honest feedback — whether they are successful or not. We support them before and after interviews to ensure they’re prepared and confident.

Market Insight and
Benchmarking

We advise on salary expectations, trends in leadership recruitment, and where you might need to flex the brief to attract the right people.

Our Approach

Executive search is personal. We work closely with your organisation to understand not only what you need now, but also what kind of leadership will take you forward. We’re often able to suggest candidates who bring fresh perspectives, including those from outside the sector, without compromising on shared values or mission.

Our strong networks across the third sector mean we can often identify potential candidates before a role even goes to market. We also support longlisting and succession planning for organisations thinking ahead.

We’re a small firm by choice. That means more attention to detail, and direct communication throughout. Clients tell us they value the consistency, honesty and responsiveness we bring, and that we genuinely care about getting the right outcome.

What others say about us

Recruitment of Chief Executive

“I have had the pleasure of working with Hilary over many years, during which time she has been a trusted recruitment consultant and executive coach to both me and my executive colleagues. What I value most about working with her is the combination of deep insight, calm professionalism, and a truly collaborative approach. Hilary brings a rare balance of strategic thinking and human warmth, which consistently builds trust and delivers excellent outcomes.

Most recently, she played a pivotal role in supporting PHAs Board through the recruitment of a new Chief Executive. This was a significant and sensitive process for us, and Hilary guided it with clarity, integrity, and a deep understanding of the leadership qualities we needed. She helped us to shape the brief, ensured a high-quality and diverse candidate pool, and supported the Board through a rigorous and inclusive selection process.

What stands out in the way Hilary works is her attention to detail, her ability to listen and reflect, and her unwavering focus on what’s best for the organisation and the people within it. She brings thoughtfulness and challenge in equal measure, and she does so with discretion, emotional intelligence, and a strong values base.

I would not hesitate to recommend her.”

Steven Dennis (Chair)

PHA Homes

Work with us

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