When Leadership Matters Most
Executive Search & Interim Leadership
Critical moments demand exceptional leaders. Whether you're navigating transformation, managing transition, or seeking permanent leadership, our executive team connects you with proven education and public sector leaders who deliver results when stakes are highest.
What Sets Us Apart
Leadership Challenges We Solve
When your Principal resigns unexpectedly. When Ofsted requires immediate improvement. When merger negotiations need expert guidance. When transformation can't be delayed. These moments define organisations—and demand leaders who can step in, take charge, and deliver from day one.
Generic recruiters offer CVs. We provide leaders who've faced your exact challenges and delivered measurable success. That's why education boards, NHS trusts, and public sector organisations trust us when failure isn't an option. Because education matters—and so does leadership that shapes our most vital public services.
We promise, we deliver. It's that simple.
Our Executive Solutions
Leadership when you need it most
Crisis Stabilisation Leaders
When organisations face immediate challenges—Ofsted concerns, financial difficulties, or sudden departures—our interim executives provide instant stability and direction. Available within 72 hours.
Transformation Executives
Drive strategic change with leaders who've successfully transformed similar organisations. From curriculum overhaul to merger management, they deliver measurable improvements over 3-18 month engagements.
Permanent Executive Search
Find your next Principal, CEO, or senior leader through our comprehensive search process. National talent mapping, discrete headhunting, and rigorous assessment with 12-month guarantees.
Specialist Leadership Roles
Chief Financial Officers, Directors of Quality, Heads of School, Transformation Directors, and senior professionals across education, healthcare, and public services.
Our Executive Search Process
Strategic Briefing
Deep dive into your leadership needs, cultural requirements, and strategic objectives. We become your ambassadors in the market.
Market Mapping
Comprehensive analysis of potential candidates—including those not actively seeking moves. Discrete approaches to protect all parties.
Rigorous Assessment
Beyond interviews: psychometric profiling, stakeholder assessment, and reference deep-dives ensure perfect alignment with your needs.
Supported Integration
First 100 days support, stakeholder introduction facilitation, and ongoing check-ins ensure successful leadership transition.
Why Boards Choose Our Executive Services
What sets us apart in leadership recruitment
Sector Specialists
We don't recruit CEOs across all industries. We specialise in education, healthcare, and public services—we understand governance, regulatory frameworks, and speak your language.
Proven Crisis Response
When organisations face critical challenges, we place interim leaders rapidly. Our executives have consistently delivered improvements in governance, financial stability, and inspection outcomes.
Discrete & Confidential
Sensitive transitions handled with complete confidentiality. NDAs are standard. Your reputation and the candidate's current position are protected throughout.
Success-Based Partnership
Interim leaders are engaged on clear deliverables. Executive search includes comprehensive guarantees. We succeed when you achieve your leadership objectives.
National Network
Our executive network spans the UK with over 150 senior leaders available for interim appointments and thousands more in our talent mapping for permanent search.
Governance Support
We provide board briefings, appointment best practice guidance, and ongoing governance advice throughout the executive appointment process.
Our Interim Executive Network
Pre-Vetted, Ready to Lead
- 150+ senior education and public sector executives
- All with proven track records of delivery in challenging contexts
- Available for appointments from 3 months to 18+ months
- Diverse specialisms including financial recovery, inspection improvement, merger management, and transformation
Verified Excellence
- Enhanced DBS cleared with ongoing compliance
- Financial probity checked and references verified
- Achievement records validated through independent verification
- Professional indemnity insurance in place
Leadership Expertise Across Sectors
Executive capability where you need it
Further & Higher Education
Principals, deputies, and curriculum leaders who understand FE funding, apprenticeships, Ofsted frameworks, and HE regulatory requirements including TEF and research excellence.
Schools & MATs
Headteachers, CEOs, education directors, and trust executives who can manage complex multi-site operations and drive educational excellence across primary and secondary settings.
Healthcare & NHS
Healthcare executives, clinical directors, and operational leaders experienced in NHS governance, CQC requirements, and healthcare transformation.
Local Government & Housing
Directors of services, transformation leaders, and senior officers who understand local authority governance, financial frameworks, and public accountability.
Risk Mitigation & Due Diligence
Every executive appointment includes comprehensive background verification and due diligence to protect your organisation.
- Enhanced DBS and barred list checks
- Financial probity and credit checks
- Achievement validation through independent sources
- Psychometric profiling and leadership assessment
- 360-degree referencing with direct stakeholder contact
- Qualification and professional registration verification
What Governance Boards Say
Feedback from organisations who've appointed our executive leaders
"10/10 I had an excellent experience with Dovetail and Slate, who quickly understood what I was looking for and matched me with the perfect role. I really appreciated the regular updates and clear communication throughout. I felt supported at every step, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Dovetail and Slate to anyone seeking their next career move. I did not have to chase or worry about anything."
Anonymous
"My experience with Dovetail & Slate, specifically Matty and his team, has been nothing but exceptional. They have all really invested in me as the client and ensured they understand our needs. This translates equally to the commitment they show to the candidates they work with, being transparent with them and guiding them through the whole process. Where a candidate has been offered and accepted a role the job doesn't finish there, the team remain engaged with the candidate for time afterwards to see how they are doing and if there are any issues they may need support with. Even when our recruiting needs are fully met, the conversation continues just to keep abreast of things so that they are ready to react when called upon. I decline to work with other recruitment agencies such is my trust in Dovetail & Slate."
Anonymous
"From the first telephone call Mr D. Cordukes, from start to finish conducted a professional service. Always upfront with a vast amount of knowledge and advice. It was a pleasure to work with him and Dovetail & Slate team."
Anonymous
Your Executive Search Partners
Meet our senior consultants specialising in leadership appointments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Take Decisive Leadership Action
Your organisation's future depends on exceptional leadership. Make the right choice with proven executive specialists.