About Dovetail & Slate
Empowering People, Changing Lives
We're public sector recruitment specialists with deep roots in education. Born out of a passion to do things differently, we connect talented professionals with the schools, hospitals, councils and public services that shape our communities.
Our Mission
We exist to connect public sector organisations with exceptional professionals who deliver outstanding services across education, healthcare, local government and beyond. We empower people, employers and communities to thrive.
As a nationally recognised partner, Dovetail & Slate combines deep sector expertise with innovative recruitment strategies. We don't just fill roles. We build resilient teams, develop talent pipelines and equip organisations for both current and future challenges.
Because education matters. Because public service matters.
What We Do
We specialise in sourcing, placing and supporting talented professionals, from senior leaders and clinicians to educators and operational staff. Whether , or project-based, our teams work closely with each client to understand their unique challenges and build tailored solutions that make a real impact.
We're more than recruiters. We're recruitment partners, invested in the success of every organisation, learner and professional we work with.
Our Story
Where We Came From
We're part of the Talentia Group family, founded by Guy Walker in 2018 with a mission to prove recruitment could be different. When Dovetail & Slate launched, we brought that same bold vision to public services across the UK, with particular expertise in education where it all began.
From our offices in Bristol, Manchester and Leeds, we've grown into a team of 90+ passionate professionals who genuinely care about changing lives, not just changing jobs.
What Drives Us
A defining moment came with achieving B Corp Certification, underscoring our commitment to people, planet and purpose. For Guy, this was about "changing the rules of the game"—proving successful businesses can also be forces for good.
We've earned Platinum recognition from Investors in People, REC Best Company to Work For, and Guy was named Entrepreneur of the Year (Recruiter Awards 2025). Recognised as one of the UK's fastest-growing specialist recruitment groups (Sunday Times 2025), we've never lost the close-knit feel we started with.
Why It Matters
Each certification isn't just an accolade. It's a reminder of why we began this journey: to prove that recruitment can be done with integrity, that businesses can prioritise people and planet, and that when you empower people, you genuinely change lives.
Today, we're an award-winning, employee-driven team operating across the UK. We continue to innovate, driven by the belief that exceptional public services need exceptional people.
Our story is still being written. Together, we're shaping the future for our sectors, our communities and everyone who becomes part of the Dovetail & Slate story.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Whether you're looking to build your team or take the next step in your career, we're here to help.