Build Your Dream Team
Permanent Education & Public Sector Recruitment
Stop the costly cycle of temporary fixes. Our permanent recruitment specialists find educators and public sector professionals who'll become the backbone of your organisation, people who share your values, embrace your vision and stay for the long term.
Why Permanent Recruitment Matters
Finding the right permanent staff isn't just about filling a position. It's about protecting your culture, maintaining continuity and building a team that grows together. The wrong hire costs more than money, it's disruptive, damages morale and creates instability that affects everyone.
We understand the pressures you face. Whether you're a primary school seeking an exceptional Year 3 teacher, a college needing a Business Studies lecturer, an NHS trust recruiting healthcare assistants or a local authority building your housing team, we take time to understand what makes your organisation unique. Because education matters and so does every role that serves our communities.
We promise, we deliver. It's that simple.
Why Work With Us
What sets our permanent recruitment service apart
Education & Public Sector Specialists
We're not generalists. Our consultants specialise in education and public sector recruitment, understanding the unique demands, funding constraints and regulatory requirements of your world.
Quality Over Quantity
We present 3-5 exceptional candidates, not 30 mediocre CVs. Each one carefully selected and thoroughly vetted for cultural fit, values alignment and long-term potential.
True Partnership Approach
We limit our client base to provide genuine attention. You'll have your consultant's direct line and not a call centre. We become an extension of your HR team.
Beyond the CV
We don't just match skills to requirements. We assess values, cultural fit, career aspirations and long-term compatibility. Finding the perfect match takes more than keyword matching.
Proven Success Rates
Our placements typically stay beyond their first year, progressing within your organisation. That's how we measure success, not just by filling positions, but by building careers.
Our Recruitment Process
Deep Dive Consultation
We start by understanding your organisation's culture, values and specific requirements. No generic job descriptions, we craft targeted searches.
Proactive Talent Search
Beyond job boards, we headhunt passive candidates, tap our network, and use targeted approaches to find professionals you won't find elsewhere.
Shortlist Presentation
Receive 3-5 carefully selected candidates with detailed profiles, interview guidance, and insights to help you make the right choice.
Interview Support
We coordinate schedules, provide candidate briefings, gather feedback, and support both parties throughout the interview process.
Offer & Onboarding
Assistance with offer negotiations, notice periods, and integration support to ensure successful starts and long-term retention.
Permanent Roles We Recruit
Build your team across education and public sector services
Teaching & Education Staff
Primary teachers (EYFS through KS2), secondary subject specialists, FE lecturers, HE academics, ECTs, teaching assistants, HLTAs, and learning support professionals across all key stages and specialisms.
Education Leadership
Headteachers, deputy heads, assistant principals, curriculum leaders, heads of department, pastoral leaders, SLT members, and multi-academy trust executives who can drive your vision forward.
SEN & Inclusion
SENCO roles, SEN teachers, inclusion coordinators, EAL specialists, behaviour support staff, educational psychologists, and specialists supporting children with additional needs.
Healthcare & NHS
Healthcare assistants, nursing staff, allied health professionals, NHS administrators, patient support services, clinical support roles, and healthcare management positions.
Local Government
Social workers, youth workers, housing officers, planning professionals, environmental health, community development, and local authority administrative and professional services.
Support & Professional Services
School business managers, finance officers, HR professionals, administrators, facilities managers, IT support, catering managers, and estates professionals across all settings.
What You Can Expect
For Your Organisation
- Reduced time-to-hire: Shortlists typically delivered within 12 days of briefing.
- Lower recruitment costs: Compared to multiple failed hires or prolonged vacancies.
- Improved retention rates: Our placements typically stay and progress within your organisation.
- Stronger cultural fit: Leading to better team dynamics and organisational performance.
- Access to passive candidates: not visible on job boards.
Our Service Commitment
- 6-month replacement guarantee: If a placement doesn't work out, we'll find a replacement at no additional cost.
- Transparent, competitive fees: Flexible payment terms available.
- Dedicated consultant: who knows your organisation and becomes your trusted partner.
- Regular market insights: Salary benchmarking and recruitment strategy advice.
What Our Clients Say
Feedback from schools and organisations who've built their teams with us
"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
"I wanted to thank David from the bottom of my heart for sending me on the UCB assignment. His call seven weeks ago came as a godsend, as I was looking for work and never knew I was capable of achieving more. If he had not shown faith in me that day, I would never have come out of my shell and would never have had the chance to show my capabilities. I really appreciate his efforts as he went above and beyond looking after me in this short-term assignment. He gave me regular weekly calls to check up on me and is always ready to provide work for me in the future. I have absolutely loved working with Dovetail and Slate and look forward to continuing to do so."
Anonymous
"Dovetail & Slate offers amazing recruitment services. The organisation's prompt response to emails and calls is quite encouraging. It provides detailed and comprehensive information to potential employees or job seekers with excellent professional follow-up guidance. I had different recruiters inviting me for a talk after going through my LinkedIn page and knowing that I am highly experienced, but they would not provide details and clarity about their offers. Clarity and comprehensive details are an essential part of information that should never be ignored. This organisation is good at providing clear and comprehensive information. Also, the polite manner of approach from the organisation's representatives is quite welcoming. I strongly recommend the establishment keeps up with its approach to recruiting job seekers. My experience with the organisation is awesome."
Anonymous
"Aaron has a lovely friendly professional manner. He listens very carefully to any requests and endeavours to respond appropriately. Aaron has helped me secure a contract with local college which I was able to complete to my high standards. Aaron is a very professional recruitment consultant and I believe we have an excellent professional working relationship. He is a credit to your organisation."
Anonymous
"A highly responsive recruitment agency with excellent customer service — professional, efficient, and a pleasure to work with from start to finish."
Anonymous
"A thorough and professional service with a comprehensive client base."
Anonymous
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Build Your Permanent Team?
Let's discuss your recruitment needs and create a strategy that delivers long-term stability and excellence.