Case study: Chief Executive Officer recruitment | The Wallich
We were delighted to support The Wallich in the recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer. Learn more about our process!
Brief.
The CEO role offered an exciting opportunity to lead, influence, and encourage participation and innovation across a wide range of stakeholders, leading The Wallich to become the most impactful homelessness charity in Wales.
The new CEO must be a collaborative leader, skilled in working effectively and confidently across a broad range of stakeholders. As an ambassador of The Wallich, they needed to be an advocate and compelling communicator, pushing boundaries for service users and staff and galvanising stakeholders, commissioners, strategic partners and policy makers.
They would need strong commercial acumen and the ability to horizon scan to grow and develop business opportunities and strategic partnerships. Adept at networking, they must be comfortable to lead in conversations at government level on housing and homeless solutions in Wales and beyond.
They must understand the complexities of homelessness and addiction and the lived experiences of those affected. It had to be a leader who shared their values, had vision to work alongside vulnerable people and staff to continue to build on all that they’d achieved. Most importantly, they must be a can-do, inclusive and enabling individual; someone open to embracing new ideas and comfortable in taking risks.
The Wallich engaged Peridot Partners to find senior leaders who could balance advocacy, stakeholder engagement, partnership building, income generation, influencing, and innovative thinking and, importantly, bring the resilience and passion to lead the organisation forward.
Category: Case studies
Consultant in charge
Clare Chesworth
Head of Social Justice
Clare Chesworth is Head of Social Justice at Peridot Partners. She brings extensive experience in recruitment, HR, and employability across diverse sectors, including events, education, and social justice. Over her recruitment career, she has honed invaluable skills such as active listening, building strong relationships, and fostering collaboration to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients and candidates consistently.
With a passion for supporting marginalised communities, Clare focuses particularly on improving employment opportunities for individuals with additional needs. Before joining Peridot, she designed and led a post-16 provision at a SEN school, preparing young people with autism for apprenticeships and employment. Her dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion has driven her throughout her career, both in her work and as a school governor.
At Peridot, Clare's focus has expanded to working with organisations tackling complex social issues like homelessness and housing. She has led high-profile recruitment campaigns for leadership roles at charities such as Caudwell Children, Society of St James, and YMCA Downslink, always striving to place the right people in roles where they can make a lasting impact.
Outside of work, Clare is deeply involved in her local community and enjoys theatre, cooking for loved ones, and cheering on her sons at rugby matches. Friendly and approachable, she combines her professional expertise with a genuine care for people and their potential.
