
Bethan Hughes
Consultant | Charities

We recruit chairs, trustees and non-executive directors across charity and education, helping organisations build effective, high-performing boards.
Strong boards shape how an organisation thinks and achieves its mission, not just how it is governed. They provide oversight and challenge, helping leadership teams step back and test their thinking. A board that works well supports better judgement and keeps the executive team focused on its purpose. The demands on boards are increasing. Financial pressure, shifting expectations and greater scrutiny mean trustees are being asked to engage more deeply and respond more quickly. Boards are stronger when they bring together people with different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. That only works if those differences are used well. The quality of discussion, how people question each other and how they support the executive will shape how effective the board is.

Our search starts with understanding where you are, what you're working towards and how your board supports this.
We use bespoke research methods to build on our cross-sector network of over 200,000 candidates and contacts. Each board or trustee search is tailored to your needs, with targeted outreach to people who bring the experience and perspective your board is missing. That often includes individuals who may not yet have considered a board role.
Many of us serve as trustees and board members. We understand the responsibilities and realities of the role, and we use that to guide conversations, challenge thinking and support your decisions.
We can help with one-off appointments, but the value in our work comes from building a true partnership with you. That might mean supporting succession planning, building committees or helping you think through how your board evolves over time. Recruitment is one part of that wider picture.
We represent your organisation with care. We bring the opportunity to life in a way that connects with the right people, and we stay close throughout so that both you and your candidates feel informed, respected and supported.

Support to help boards strengthen governance, navigate transition and build more effective ways of working.
Practical HR and leadership support to help you build strong teams and manage complexity, so people can do their best work.
We recruit chief executives, directors and senior leaders for organisations with a social purpose.
Experienced interim professionals who deliver impact from day one when immediate support is required.
Appointing Trustees, Non-Executive Directors, Chairs and governance roles that strengthen your board.
We recruit executive, board, chapter and interim leaders for cathedrals and faith heritage organisations, bringing experience of leadership, governance and specialist recruitment across faith and culture.
Learn moreWe recruit chief executives, trustees, interim and senior leaders for charities, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises and voluntary organisations across the UK.
Learn moreWe recruit executive, board, functional and interim leaders for community arts, creative learning and place-based cultural organisations, drawing on experience across arts, culture and the wider social impact sector.
Learn moreWe recruit chief executives, senior leaders and trustees for charities working across education, learning, skills and access to opportunity.
Learn moreWe support environment and sustainability organisations across the UK through executive recruitment, board recruitment and interim leadership.
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We recruit finance and corporate services leaders for charities, education and purpose-led organisations, from specialist finance appointments to executive roles overseeing wider organisational resources.
Learn moreWe recruit heads, governors and senior professional services leaders for independent and international schools, including boarding, specialist and faith-based schools.
Learn moreWe recruit executive, board and interim leaders for galleries, libraries, museums, archives and collections, bringing sector knowledge and specialist search expertise to every appointment.
Learn moreExecutive, board, functional and interim recruitment for NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts, helping boards appoint leaders who strengthen governance, improve organisational performance and deliver better outcomes for patients and communities.
Learn moreWe support charities, education and purpose-led organisations to recruit operations and service delivery leaders who turn organisational priorities into effective services, systems and ways of working.
Learn moreWe support charities, education and purpose-led organisations to recruit people and culture leaders who create inclusive workplaces, strengthen leadership capability and ensure people strategies support long-term organisational success.
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We support arts, heritage and culture organisations across the UK through executive recruitment, board recruitment and interim leadership search.
Learn moreExperts in board recruitment to find chairs, trustees and non-executive directors who will enhance your governance and strategic leadership.
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Discover top-tier education recruitment solutions at Peridot Partners – Your trusted partner for hiring excellence in the education sector.
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Specialised apprenticeship and training recruitment services, connecting education organisations with exceptional leaders.
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Peridot's expert awarding organisation recruitment services are tailored to meet your awarding or assessment organisations' unique needs.
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Further education recruitment across colleges, sixth forms and specialist providers, tailored to your needs with expertise and care.
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Find skilled, diverse governors for colleges and sixth forms with expert board recruitment tailored to further education.
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Values-led higher education recruitment focused on attracting inclusive, high-quality executive and board teams that achieve your goals.
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Expert schools & academy trusts recruitment for exceptional CEOs, trustees and leaders. Sustainable leadership secures the next generation's future.
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Our tailored approach to advancement recruitment enables your team to deliver philanthropic growth and societal change.
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Discover expert charity executive recruitment with Peridot Partners, connecting third-sector CEOs and directors with impactful roles.
Learn moreWe support charities and purpose-led organisations to recruit fundraising leaders who build sustainable income, strengthen relationships and help organisations achieve their mission.
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Our health and social care recruitment team find leaders who share your values and make a real difference to the people you support.
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Values-led recruitment of executive professionals and leaders in the housing and homeless sectors to make a positive difference to your cause
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Specialist mental health charity recruitment for boards and leadership teams. Find values-led people who strengthen services and drive change.
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Peridot specialises in disability charity recruitment, appointing senior leaders and trustees with experience, insight and values.
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Discover top-tier hospice recruitment & executive search. Find CEOs, trustees & senior leaders for your board with Peridot Partners.
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Need experienced support fast? Our interim recruitment helps UK charities find trusted short-term professionals who deliver.
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Exceptional marketing and communications executive and board recruitment for not for profit organisations, by Peridot Partners.
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We can help support your executive and specialist membership recruitment for membership bodies. From CEOs to senior roles.
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Expert NGO and international development recruitment. We help INGOs and charities recruit inclusive, high-impact board and executive leaders.
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Our specialised small charity recruitment team provides supportive, progressive, inclusive executive and board search support.
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Values-led recruitment of social justice leaders and executive professionals, to make a positive difference to your organisation.
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Sports organisation recruitment specialists. Executive, board and interim search for national governing bodies, charities and community sport providers.
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Are you looking to recruit a new chief executive or independent trustee for your students’ union? We can help you.
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Committed to transforming leadership and inspiring change for trusts and foundations, through values-based recruitment.
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Board appointments made
500+
Helping organisations secure high-impact leadership
Diverse appointments
65%
Supporting inclusive and representative boards
Placement success rate
92%
Roles successfully filled with the right candidates
Client satisfaction
4.9 / 5
Consistently high feedback from organisations

Consultant | Charities

Head of SME Charities

Head of Social Justice

Senior Consultant | Charities

Project Support Manager

Principal Consultant | Arts, Heritage & Culture

Project Support Manager (Maternity Cover)

Consultant | Charities

Consultant | Charities

Head of SME Charities

Head of Social Justice

Senior Consultant | Charities

Project Support Manager

Principal Consultant | Arts, Heritage & Culture

Project Support Manager (Maternity Cover)

Consultant | Charities






Peridot was recommended to us, as we had been looking for a new Finance Trustee for almost a year through local advertising and networking without any success. They took a very comprehensive brief, talking to a number of the charity's trustees and very clearly understood what we were looking for and also advised how we should tailor our approach to a very difficult market. The contact throughout the recruitment process was excellent, and they demonstrated considerable persistence in sourcing the most appropriate candidates to achieve a small but very high-quality shortlist from which we would have employed either candidate. We have now appointed a candidate with the blend of skills and experience we required, and we believe they will be a good fit with the rest of our board.
Simon Theobald
Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney
I have been very impressed and happy working with Peridot, to look at options for my next move. The team has a fantastic ability to listen to what your passions, motivations, and goals are, to suggest next steps. I felt that they understood what I was looking for and encouraged me to make a step up. I felt completely supported throughout the job application and interview process and received helpful and timely feedback. I have recommended Peridot to my network and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
Nicola Casey
mothers2mothers
The support I received through the recruitment process was more than just transactional—it was transformational. It helped me find the right role that aligned with my values and ambitions and placed me within an organisation that genuinely fosters growth, collaboration, and long-term development. For me, this was the launchpad into a leadership journey within the FE sector that feels both purposeful and full of opportunity.
Sonya Anderson
City Campus. EPNE (Education Partnership North East)
Peridot provided invaluable support to Northampton College in the recruitment of new governors and co-optees to support the College's strategic oversight. From the very outset, Sarah and the team were highly professional, skilled in confirming the College's skills requirements and gave high-quality guidance on the process. They provided a very high standard of candidates, which led to the recruitment of excellent new Governors. They are already making a difference to our college. I would have no hesitation in recommending Peridot or using them again.
Jason Lancaster
Northampton College
"It was a pleasure to work with Louise Steer of Peridot Partners on the recruitment of a new Finance Director for Farleigh Hospice, following the retirement of our previous FD after 20 years of dedicated service. Louise demonstrated a clear and insightful understanding of both the strategic direction and operational realities of the hospice. She quickly grasped the importance of securing a leader who not only had strong technical expertise but also shared our values and commitment to our mission. Thanks to her expertise and guidance, we were presented with an excellent selection of diverse, high-calibre candidates who brought genuine passion for our work, a strong strategic vision for the organisation and a balanced, forward-thinking approach to strategic financial management, charity governance, compliance and commercial acumen. Louise’s support throughout the process was exceptional. We greatly valued her professionalism, thoughtful advice and the benefit of Peridot’s extensive experience in executive recruitment within the charity sector."
Michelle Kabia
Farleigh Hospice
Working with Peridot, especially with Sarah Atkins‑Boal, was an excellent experience. Sarah took the time to understand my background in depth and provided exceptional support throughout the entire process. She helped me prepare thoroughly for interview and confidently showcase my skills and expertise. Her communication was consistently excellent: clear, proactive and always swift in responding to any questions. I felt genuinely supported, valued and well‑prepared at every stage.
Nikki Brady
Halesowen College
It was an absolute pleasure working with Peridot Partners throughout the process. The team were transparent, highly communicative and consistently supportive from start to finish. What stood out most was the combination of professionalism and genuine compassion. Expectations were clearly managed, stages were anticipated thoughtfully, and communication was excellent throughout. Warm, friendly and deeply respectful, this was a recruitment experience that felt both rigorous and human, which is a rarity and something I very much appreciated.
Layla Dillon
ADA National College for Digital Skills
From the moment Dan reached out, Peridot were incredibly supportive and attentive. They took time to understand my experience and aspirations, guided me through each stage of the process with clarity and warmth, and kept me informed and encouraged throughout. Thanks to their thoughtful approach, I’ve been successfully appointed to a role that feels like a perfect fit.
Jessica Melling
Barnsley College
Peridot was recommended to us, as we had been looking for a new Finance Trustee for almost a year through local advertising and networking without any success. They took a very comprehensive brief, talking to a number of the charity's trustees and very clearly understood what we were looking for and also advised how we should tailor our approach to a very difficult market. The contact throughout the recruitment process was excellent, and they demonstrated considerable persistence in sourcing the most appropriate candidates to achieve a small but very high-quality shortlist from which we would have employed either candidate. We have now appointed a candidate with the blend of skills and experience we required, and we believe they will be a good fit with the rest of our board.
Simon Theobald
Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney
I have been very impressed and happy working with Peridot, to look at options for my next move. The team has a fantastic ability to listen to what your passions, motivations, and goals are, to suggest next steps. I felt that they understood what I was looking for and encouraged me to make a step up. I felt completely supported throughout the job application and interview process and received helpful and timely feedback. I have recommended Peridot to my network and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
Nicola Casey
mothers2mothers
The support I received through the recruitment process was more than just transactional—it was transformational. It helped me find the right role that aligned with my values and ambitions and placed me within an organisation that genuinely fosters growth, collaboration, and long-term development. For me, this was the launchpad into a leadership journey within the FE sector that feels both purposeful and full of opportunity.
Sonya Anderson
City Campus. EPNE (Education Partnership North East)
Peridot provided invaluable support to Northampton College in the recruitment of new governors and co-optees to support the College's strategic oversight. From the very outset, Sarah and the team were highly professional, skilled in confirming the College's skills requirements and gave high-quality guidance on the process. They provided a very high standard of candidates, which led to the recruitment of excellent new Governors. They are already making a difference to our college. I would have no hesitation in recommending Peridot or using them again.
Jason Lancaster
Northampton College
"It was a pleasure to work with Louise Steer of Peridot Partners on the recruitment of a new Finance Director for Farleigh Hospice, following the retirement of our previous FD after 20 years of dedicated service. Louise demonstrated a clear and insightful understanding of both the strategic direction and operational realities of the hospice. She quickly grasped the importance of securing a leader who not only had strong technical expertise but also shared our values and commitment to our mission. Thanks to her expertise and guidance, we were presented with an excellent selection of diverse, high-calibre candidates who brought genuine passion for our work, a strong strategic vision for the organisation and a balanced, forward-thinking approach to strategic financial management, charity governance, compliance and commercial acumen. Louise’s support throughout the process was exceptional. We greatly valued her professionalism, thoughtful advice and the benefit of Peridot’s extensive experience in executive recruitment within the charity sector."
Michelle Kabia
Farleigh Hospice
Working with Peridot, especially with Sarah Atkins‑Boal, was an excellent experience. Sarah took the time to understand my background in depth and provided exceptional support throughout the entire process. She helped me prepare thoroughly for interview and confidently showcase my skills and expertise. Her communication was consistently excellent: clear, proactive and always swift in responding to any questions. I felt genuinely supported, valued and well‑prepared at every stage.
Nikki Brady
Halesowen College
It was an absolute pleasure working with Peridot Partners throughout the process. The team were transparent, highly communicative and consistently supportive from start to finish. What stood out most was the combination of professionalism and genuine compassion. Expectations were clearly managed, stages were anticipated thoughtfully, and communication was excellent throughout. Warm, friendly and deeply respectful, this was a recruitment experience that felt both rigorous and human, which is a rarity and something I very much appreciated.
Layla Dillon
ADA National College for Digital Skills
From the moment Dan reached out, Peridot were incredibly supportive and attentive. They took time to understand my experience and aspirations, guided me through each stage of the process with clarity and warmth, and kept me informed and encouraged throughout. Thanks to their thoughtful approach, I’ve been successfully appointed to a role that feels like a perfect fit.
Jessica Melling
Barnsley College


