Board Search

Where board search meets genuine judgement

A board appointment is one of the most consequential decisions an organisation makes. Saxton Bampfylde has been conducting board search and non-executive recruitment for forty years, across private, public and non-profit organisations – and the rigour of that work has never changed. Getting it right requires reach, honest conversation, and a clear understanding of what your board is actually asking for.

We make over 250 Chair, Trustee and non-executive appointments every year. Our board practice sits across every sector we work in, which means our networks are broader, our candidate reach is deeper, and our understanding of what different boards genuinely need is more grounded than a practice that works in only one space. Unlike platforms and databases, we invest time in understanding your organisation, your existing board, and the gap you are really trying to fill.

How our board search works

Every board search we run is shaped by the organisation behind it. Here is what that looks like in practice.

We start by understanding youToggle

Before we think about candidates, we think about your board as it stands – its composition, its dynamics, its strengths, and what’s genuinely missing. That understanding shapes everything: the profile we build, the candidates we approach, and the conversations we have on your behalf.

Reach that goes beyond the obvious placesToggle

The most valuable board appointments often come from unexpected places. Our cross-sector presence means we move between commercial, public, and non-profit worlds with genuine fluency, so we surface candidates that a more narrowly focused search simply wouldn’t find. There is a meaningful difference between who’s available and who’s right. We know where to look for the latter.

Exceptional candidate careToggle

Every candidate we work with is kept genuinely informed, properly prepared, and supported with care and discretion – honest conversations, real feedback, and someone who actually picks up the phone. Our relationships with candidates rarely end at appointment. Many stay connected through our networks for years, and more than a few have come back to us as clients.

Inclusive search, by designToggle

Our research model is built to go beyond the networks that boards already have, deliberately mapping candidates others wouldn’t reach and assessing for the qualities that matter most at board level: judgement, independence of mind, and the ability to contribute with authority without overstepping. Our partnership with networks such as EPOC a network dedicated to diverse non-executive talent, means we can access and advocate for candidates who bring the breadth of perspective that’s needed.

Board services

  1. Board reviews

    Governance is more than a compliance requirement; it is a competitive advantage. We work alongside boards to deliver effectiveness reviews, skills audits, and succession strategies that provide a clear-eyed view of current performance. Our reviews are structured to be thorough, but they are never rigid. We pride ourselves on the honesty of our findings, offering Chairs the candid feedback necessary to drive meaningful change. Because we work across a diverse range of sectors, we bring a unique perspective on evolving governance codes, helping you to adopt best practices that are relevant to your specific context.

    Governance is more than a compliance requirement; it is a competitive advantage. We work alongside boards to deliver effectiveness reviews, skills audits, and succession strategies that provide a clear-eyed view of current performance. Our reviews are structured to be thorough, but they are never rigid. We pride ourselves on the honesty of our findings, offering Chairs the candid feedback necessary to drive meaningful change. Because we work across a diverse range of sectors, we bring a unique perspective on evolving governance codes, helping you to adopt best practices that are relevant to your specific context.

    Right arrow Board review

    Board review

  2. Assessment that goes deeper

    The search process gets you to a shortlist you can trust. Assessment adds confidence at the moment that matters most. Our in-house psychologists work alongside our consultants to assess interpersonal dynamics, cultural fit, and the likely contribution of each candidate to your board as a whole. It's insight that makes the difference between a good appointment and a great one.

    The search process gets you to a shortlist you can trust. Assessment adds confidence at the moment that matters most. Our in-house psychologists work alongside our consultants to assess interpersonal dynamics, cultural fit, and the likely contribution of each candidate to your board as a whole. It's insight that makes the difference between a good appointment and a great one.

    Right arrow Executive Assessment

    Executive Assessment

  3. Coaching for new and aspiring non-executives

    Joining a board for the first time, or moving into a significantly different context, is a transition that benefits from support. Our coaching for non-executives focuses on the behaviours, dynamics, and mindset shifts that determine whether someone truly adds value around a board table.

    Joining a board for the first time, or moving into a significantly different context, is a transition that benefits from support. Our coaching for non-executives focuses on the behaviours, dynamics, and mindset shifts that determine whether someone truly adds value around a board table.

    Right arrow Leadership coaching

    Leadership coaching

  4. Remuneration benchmarking

    Our board remuneration reviews provide independent, data-led benchmarking to ensure non-executive pay remains both competitive and defensible. We assess market demand alongside the specific time commitment and risk associated with each role, moving beyond surface-level data to capture your organisation’s unique requirements. This consultative approach delivers evidence-based recommendations that help you attract and retain the high-calibre expertise necessary for effective governance.

    Our board remuneration reviews provide independent, data-led benchmarking to ensure non-executive pay remains both competitive and defensible. We assess market demand alongside the specific time commitment and risk associated with each role, moving beyond surface-level data to capture your organisation’s unique requirements. This consultative approach delivers evidence-based recommendations that help you attract and retain the high-calibre expertise necessary for effective governance.

    Right arrow Talent Mapping and Benchmarking

    Talent Mapping and Benchmarking

Our team

Our clients

Where experience shows

The numbers behind our work

  1. 250+ Chair and non-executive appointments every year
  2. 5+ diversity partnership programmes developing the next generation of board-ready leaders
  3. 55% of appointments since 2023 brought diversity across gender, ethnicity and disability
  4. 43% of our board appointments were women in 2025
  5. 40 years shaping strong and diverse board

Hoburne Group

"Saxton Bampfylde is my go-to for top executives and NEDs. The team understand our business and produce candidates who fit our culture and values as well having as excellent skills and experience."John Butters Chair

Squire's Garden Centres

"We were impressed with the way the project was properly and thoughtfully resourced. The team took the time to understand the nature of our business and our values and really get to know us. This was instrumental in the smooth running of the process and its successful outcome."Sarah Squires Chair

The right leader changes everything. Let’s find yours.

Speak to our board team about your next appointment.

Get in touch

 

View our current roles

Recent appointments

  5. Appointments

    ISEB announces new Chair

    The ISEB board has announced that Richard Harman has been appointed as the Chair from 1 September 2026. 

    View ISEB announces new Chair

Related Insights

  7. Insights

    Social Impact Confidence Index 2025

    The views of 76 charity and foundation CEOs and Chairs on leadership confidence, funding pressures and the challenges ahead.

    View Social Impact Confidence Index 2025