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Testimonials

Stories from clients, candidates and partners who have worked with Peridot.

What people say about working with us

Recruitment is built on trust. Our work brings together boards, executive teams and candidates at important moments of change.

These stories reflect the care, challenge and sector understanding we bring to every search.

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“I’ve been genuinely delighted with my experience — thank you. It’s been refreshing to deal with an organisation that represents people, not just CVs. The process felt personal, respectful and rooted in understanding the individual behind the application. That human touch made all the difference and speaks volumes about your values and approach.”
Amanda Fletcher

Amanda Fletcher

Managing Director · Great Northern Classics

“We have been so impressed with Peridot and will not hesitate to recommend them to others in the museum sector. The enthusiasm and professionalism of David and the wider team filled us with confidence from the initial consultation. We were incredibly impressed with the standard of the applications received and successfully recruited a candidate who exceeded our expectations.”
Laura Sharpe

Laura Sharpe

Museum Manager · The Florence Nightingale Museum

“I have been very impressed by the care and attention taken by David Hingley and his team. Not only have they been very efficient and provided an extensive array of potential candidates, but they have also come across as being genuinely interested in Southwell Cathedral. There was a real sense of them wanting to get it right for us. We are delighted with the person we have appointed, and I’m not sure we would have found him without the assistance of Peridot. Thank you.”
Neil Evans

Neil Evans

Interim Dean · Southwell Minster

"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

Michelle Kabia

Chief Executive Officer · 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

Nikki Brady

Assistant Principal · 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

Layla Dillon

Governor · 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

Jessica Melling

Director of Governance · 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

Simon Theobald

Chair of Trustees · 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

Nicola Casey

Deputy Head of Philanthropy · 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

Sonya Anderson

Campus Principal · 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

Jason Lancaster

Principal & Chief Executive Officer · Northampton College

Working with Peridot has been an excellent experience from start to finish. Their professionalism, communication and understanding of our needs were evident throughout the process. They provided a strong field of well‑matched candidates, guided us through each stage, and ultimately helped us appoint an excellent new governor. We were thoroughly impressed with their expertise and would happily recommend Peridot to any organisation seeking high‑quality governance recruitment support.
Sam Bromwich

Sam Bromwich

Director Corporate Governance Risk and Compliance · Director Corporate Governance Risk and Compliance

Having already attempted to recruit a Chief Finance and Operations Officer ourselves but not being satisfied with the calibre of the response, we turned to Peridot for support. The team quickly understood our brief, presented a strong and competitive shortlist and provided constructive challenge throughout the process, helping us refine a robust and fit-for-purpose assessment approach. We would highly recommend Peridot to any trust seeking senior leadership recruitment support.
Mark Cole

Mark Cole

Chief Executive Officer · Tenax Schools Trust

We engaged Peridot to assist with the search for vacancies on our Board of Governors and Committees, following a positive previous experience with them, but also following a recommendation from another college. Peridot's organisation and communication throughout the process have been first class; they have acted with utmost professionalism but have also been friendly and personable with the whole College team throughout our engagement. The quality and calibre of applicants sourced to make up the shortlist were nothing short of exceptional, and we have successfully appointed several Governors, more than we initially intended, as quite simply the applicants were too good not to recruit. Thanks to Dan, Molly and the Peridot team - a job really well done!
Scott Bullock

Scott Bullock

Principal & CEO · East Durham College

This is the second appointment to a senior post that Peridot has supported us with, and we have been just as impressed with the quality of process, people and support. The field of applicants and ultimately our shortlist were again excellent. Sarah and Dan communicated well and worked well together in managing availability and continuity for us. On the days of our interviews, Dan was really engaged and felt like a part of our own team throughout.
Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson

Principal & CEO · Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College

"I had the pleasure of working with Louise during our search for a Director of Finance. From the outset, she took the time to truly understand our organisation, not just the technical requirements of the role, but also our strategic direction, our culture, and the qualities that would ensure we made a successful long-term appointment. She asked insightful, well-considered questions that challenged our thinking and helped us clarify exactly what we needed. Her communication throughout the process was fab, she kept us informed and was always responsive and proactive. We never felt like just another client; she showed genuine interest in our work and was clearly invested in finding the right person for us. Louise is a highly effective partner."
Gary Stewart

Gary Stewart

Director of Finance & Operations · Tron Theatre Glasgow

From the moment that Peridot reached out to me, through to the phone call where they gave me the wonderful news that I had got the job, I could not fault the professionalism, efficiency, support and encouragement shown to me. The whole experience was swift and seamless. Thank you, Peridot!
Elizabeth Dixon

Elizabeth Dixon

Global Philanthropy Research and Insight Lead · The HALO Trust

We just wanted to say a huge thank you for your help on the recent ICC recruitment campaign. We could not have done it without you. We hugely benefited from you bringing a range of excellent candidates to the table and felt very confident with you guiding us through the process, preparing documents and sites, etc. We are very grateful and very thankful to have reached a positive result at the end of a really positive journey run by Peridot.
Hannah Lamont

Hannah Lamont

Trustee · International China Concern UK

"I had the pleasure of working with Louise during our search for a Director of Finance. From the outset, she took the time to truly understand our organisation, not just the technical requirements of the role, but also our strategic direction, our culture, and the qualities that would ensure we made a successful long-term appointment. She asked insightful, well-considered questions that challenged our thinking and helped us clarify exactly what we needed. Her communication throughout the process was fab, she kept us informed and was always responsive and proactive. We never felt like just another client; she showed genuine interest in our work and was clearly invested in finding the right person for us. Louise is a highly effective partner."
Sherine Wheeler

Sherine Wheeler

Chief Executive Officer · Fire Fighters Charity

“Our experience of working with James and the team on a number of occasions to appoint trustees to our Board has been very positive. This is the first time we have worked together to recruit to our executive team, for a Director of Finance, and it has been equally successful. James and colleagues ensure they understand our requirements whilst bringing their expertise to inform our search and selection process. The range of candidates has always been diverse and varied and the support in managing the end-to-end process, working with our own team, has gone beyond expectations and enabled us to leave much of the activity to the Peridot team.”
Jane Hughes

Jane Hughes

Chief Executive Officer · Mental Health Matters

Working with Peridot was a highly professional experience from start to finish. They are personable and friendly, so it was easy to communicate and pivot with arrangements when it was necessary. They also understood our requirements and guided the process effectively. Peridot’s support was instrumental in securing a strong appointment, and I would be happy to work with them again.
Laura Muzorori

Laura Muzorori

Senior People Manager · Youth Business International (YBI)

“Peridot and Eddie were hugely supportive throughout the process, from first application through to finally being appointed. The sharing of information was done efficiently, my queries were responded to promptly and I was offered many opportunities to speak with Eddie in preparation for the interviews - all of which meant the process was far less stressful than it could have been. Thank you.”
Daniel Jansen

Daniel Jansen

Chief Finance and Operations Officer · Pioneer Educational Trust

I have never worked with Peridot before, and I've been extremely impressed with the professionalism and hard work performed by the team. Jennifer Horan is an absolute star, very responsive with an intelligent approach to hiring us the right person and adding lots of value throughout the process. Thank you and your team for all your hard work.
Deirdre McCann

Deirdre McCann

Leadership Support Manager · Womankind Worldwide

My experience with Peridot Partners throughout this recruitment process has been exceptional. From my first conversation through to receiving an offer, communication was consistently timely, transparent and professional. The team took the time to understand not only my experience and motivations, but also the needs of the organisation, ensuring I was well prepared at every stage of the process. I particularly appreciated their honest advice, constructive challenge and willingness to discuss practical considerations openly and collaboratively. What stood out most was that I never felt like I was simply being progressed through a recruitment process. Peridot was genuinely invested in finding the right fit for both the client and the candidate, and that was evident in every interaction. Having now accepted the role, I can say this has been one of the most positive recruitment experiences of my career. I would have no hesitation in recommending Peridot Partners to both organisations seeking senior leaders and candidates considering their next opportunity.
Dan Jarman

Dan Jarman

Interim Head of Programmes, · Hand in Hand International (HIH)

I approached the use of Peridot to source new governors for our Governing Body with some hesitation having had a poor experience of recruitment agencies in the past. However, I am pleased to say that we have used Peridot twice now, and they have surpassed expectations. We did not set them an easy brief – we needed governors with quite specific specialisms (including experience with equine) – yet each time they managed to source potential candidates for our vacancies who easily matched the brief and more. In fact, we are delighted with our new governors and with the efficiency of the selection procedure and the standards achieved by Peridot. I would not hesitate to recommend them for their high levels of customer service, ease of communication and delivering on the brief.
Alison Birkinshaw

Alison Birkinshaw

Chair · Craven College

“From beginning to end, my Peridot experience has been absolutely fantastic. Conor has been brilliant in his support, keeping communication clear throughout the recruitment process, and has been approachable, professional, and supportive. He has helped me prepare for the interview process and gain insight into the role and the organisation itself. With all the help I have had, I was very pleased to accept my appointment as a Finance Trustee at RoSA Support.”
Rehan Tasaddaq

Rehan Tasaddaq

Finance Trustee · RoSA Support

“At Director of Finance and Operations level, the quality of the relationship with the recruiter is particularly important. Louise demonstrated a clear understanding of senior finance leadership, organisational culture and the importance of securing the right fit for both me and client. I felt that she had taken the time to understand not only my experience and capabilities, but also my values, motivations and longer-term aspirations. I would have no hesitation in recommending Louise to senior finance candidates or to organisations looking for a trusted, insightful and highly professional recruitment partner.”
Karen Preston

Karen Preston

Director of Finance, Property and Resources · Stonepillow

I have been extremely impressed by the service provided by Peridot. I have never used a recruitment agency that has resulted in a successful job offer. Their help was incredibly invaluable, professional, personable and approachable. They gave me really useful tips and guidance before each interview stage and feedback after each stage whilst generally supporting me throughout the entire process. Peridot really made the process manageable whilst keeping on top of my current job by reducing the time I had to spend on researching potential interview questions by letting me know in advance the questions I would expect to be asked. I would highly recommend Peridot to anyone seeking new employment opportunities, especially for the team's extensive fundraising background and support.
Sharon Bamberg

Sharon Bamberg

Senior Development Manager · Senior Development Manager

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