Case study: Chief Operating Officer recruitment | Confederation of School Trusts

Process.

Peridot approached over 200 professionals nationally in the search over a four-week search period. We secured 33 applications from a breadth of candidates from various professional backgrounds, including charities, multi-academy trusts, independent schools, PE-backed companies, higher education and healthcare amongst others.

Candidates were assessed at shortlist against their ability to evidence experience in building and delivering effective financial and workforce management strategy as well as their commitment to ensuring effective systems, processes, and a positive culture in an ever-changing, mission-led organisation.

Peridot worked in partnership with CST to identify which candidates could evidence the most relevancy to the diverse needs of the role and identified five candidates who were suitable for interview.

Peridot then designed a bespoke, virtual first-stage interview comprising of an interview with the CEO and Deputy CEO and a discussion with the leadership team.

Of the five interviewed candidates, two were selected for the second stage. They were tasked to complete a technical finance task and deliver a presentation to and interview with the selection panel, comprised of trustees and the CEO.