Case study: Trustee Recruitment | Compton Verney
Compton Verney approached us to support them in appointing trustees to their board. Read more about the process we undertook.
Compton Verney is an award-winning art gallery set within a historic Capability Brown landscape in the West Midlands. With a mission to connect its 100,000 annual visitors with art, nature and creativity, Compton Verney offers an immersive experience across its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with visual and performing arts, indoor and outdoor events, architecture and landscape, creativity and learning, and science and nature for an inspirational experience full of possibilities.
Context.
With a new strategy, Compton Verney was focused on renewing and re-imagining what it wanted to be. With an ambitious master plan aimed at widening access and innovative projects to engage diverse new audiences, they were planning a celebration to mark their 20th anniversary in 2024.
Partnering with Peridot to find 3 new trustees, the board was keen to engage highly skilled people, with the ability to support and drive forward these developments, and with a strong commitment to Compton’s mission.
Brief.
The board was keen to engage a wide range of skills, including communications and brand management, land and asset management, and arts advocacy.
Ideally, candidates would have a strong connection to the West Midlands and would be representative of the broad and diverse range of communities served by Compton Verney, bringing new perspectives and experiences not currently represented on the board. Additionally, the board were keen to encourage and welcome first-time trustees.
Outcome.
22 candidates applied from a wide range of backgrounds and with expertise across the required areas. Applicants represented age, neuro and ethnic diversity, with connections to the wider communities in which Compton Verney operates and engages with.
We appointed three trustees to the board:
- Candidate 1: An experienced and skilled asset management professional, with previous experience in project management and grant-funded projects for the restoration and improvement of historic buildings and heritage attractions. The candidate is an experienced trustee, with a strong personal and professional connection to the West Midlands.
- Candidate 2: An artist, poet and writer focused on working with young people of colour to tell stories of their communities, the candidate was well-networked across the West Midland’s cultural community and their experiences brought a ‘collective voice’ for the cultural sector in the
- Candidate 3: With over 25 years of professional experience in the international art world, the candidate is a specialist in modern and contemporary art. Having established and developed successful international art fairs across Asia and being a well-respected cultural commentator, the candidate brought extensive experience of working with international art markets and could provide introductions to these networks.
Two of the successful candidates commented:
Category: Case studies
Consultant in charge
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.
