Case study: OCN London | Two rounds of Trustee recruitment
We supported OCN London through a structured board skills review and led two trustee recruitment campaigns. Read about our process.
Impact.
The comprehensive recruitment efforts have had a profound impact on OCN London’s governance and strategic capabilities. The board now benefits from a richer blend of experience and perspectives, directly contributing to OCN London’s mission. The success of these recruitment rounds is clearly articulated by OCN London’s leadership and the newly appointed trustees.
Kurt Hintz, Chair of OCN London, expressed immense satisfaction:
“I’m really, really pleased with what Peridot did for us, and the fact that we went out again says it all. We were pleased with the quality of the candidates that were presented, and the whole process was managed really well. They understand the sector, so they’re talking to people who understand what an awarding body does and what kind of candidates would fit into that space. Peridot really helped us to narrow down the roles and then to find the right people for them. It meant that the actual work for us was very straightforward, we just had to choose. They just know the right people and they’re really connected, and they just manage the process brilliantly.”
Carlos Cubillo-Barsi, CEO of OCN London, emphasised the positive shift in board dynamics:
“The quality of candidates has improved and the way we’ve been able to bring in a breadth of skills that we didn’t have before is great. The board feels more impactful, it feels like it’s driving decisions in a way that perhaps it wasn’t able to before because it has more confidence. Peridot understood our needs, they understood the sector, they understood what we were looking for. And they were able to bring forward candidates that really met the brief.”
Dixa Patel, Company Secretary, commended the smooth process and candidate quality:
“The process was seamless and the quality of the candidates has been impressive. They were able to deliver a wide range of different skills sets that we’re looking for, and we now have a much more diverse board in terms of skill sets, but also in terms of background. I think Peridot are the right people to help organisations recruit, especially when it comes to boards and trustees because they really understand the importance of making sure that you have a diverse board and that you have all the skill sets that you need.”
Kate Holt, Trustee appointed in 2022, shared her positive candidate experience:
“I found the process very supportive and very comprehensive. It really felt like Peridot wanted to ensure that it was a good fit for both the organisation and myself. The briefing I received about the role and the organisation was excellent. It gave me a really good understanding of OCN London, its mission and what they were looking for in a trustee.”
Julie Farmer, a trustee who has served the board for two terms shared:
“I think Peridot Partners are incredibly good at what they do. I was very impressed with their professionalism and the way they handled every process.”
Category: Awarding organisations, membership & skills
Consultant in charge
Kristina Preston
Director | Awarding, Assessment & Professional Education
With over 10 years of recruitment experience at every level across the education and skills sectors, Kristina is skilled in the appointment of roles covering the design, development, delivery and quality assurance of educational products and services in awarding organisations, AAOs and professional membership bodies. She leads the partnership with the Federation of Awarding Bodies as their Platinum Supplier of executive search, recruitment, and board development services.
Kristina enjoys the camaraderie, collaboration, innovation, determination, and passion of the sectors she supports and advocates for this niche area of the UK and worldwide education system. She recognizes the far-reaching impact of awarding and skills qualifications at all levels, raising aspirations and helping people access life-changing qualifications and training.
Outside of work, Kristina recently became a mother and enjoys family travel. After 15 years as a competitive cheerleader, she serves as a Non-Executive Director on the board of SportCheer England, working toward official sport recognition. Kristina is also learning Polish to connect with her heritage and is an avid Aston Villa fan.
