From Senior Police Officer to Charity CEO – a story of successful sector transition
Philippa shares her insights as to how you can undertake a successful sector transition, for anyone else who is thinking of making the leap!
Point 2: Explore the possibility with the recruiter & sense check your case
In this example, the candidate had put time into thinking about how his experience would transfer to such a role. He then reached out to me to put forward his case, and to seek to understand if the trustees would even be responsive to his prior experience.
He thought about the nature of his role, which had a strong emphasis on working collaboratively to get things done. He showcased how his developmental and enabling leadership approach had got the best out of his teams. He had also thought about how his networks could complement and add to those the charity already had. He was able to tie these factors back into the goals and the values of the organisation to show the board the benefit to the charity.
He was able to articulate his motivation and values to the board, prove how he had a profound impact on his community, and show how his previous experience, though in a different field, had achieved the same aims as the organisation – to support children and young people.
Key message: Do your research on the goals and values of the organisation, think about your transferable skills, and back up your case using clear evidence. Sense check and feel confident in your motivation and your message.
Category:Executive Recruitment & Development
Written by
Philippa Fabry
Partner
Philippa Fabry is a partner and shareholder at Peridot Partners, leading the Not for Profit Practice with expertise, creativity and empathy. With over 20 years of executive search experience across private, public, and not for profit sectors, she excels in recruiting leadership roles for charities. Her leadership expertise extends beyond Peridot as a mentor for a youth charity and leadership coach.
Philippa began her career as a curator in visual arts after graduating from Manchester University. She worked for a prestigious London art gallery before becoming Principal Curator of Contemporary Art at Harewood House Trust. She transitioned to recruitment in 2001 at an international headhunting firm, then served as Assistant Director at Veredus before joining Peridot Partners in 2011, becoming Director in 2015.
Her experience includes supporting organisations through Founder/CEO transitions, establishing new or renewed boards, and helping commercial candidates transition to the not for profit sector. She has partnered with UK charities to appoint skilled executives and diverse trustees.
Outside work, Philippa is an avid runner who has completed several half marathons and is training for her first Sprint Triathlon. She balances career with family and social life, passionate about the arts and helping young people reach their potential.
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