Government and Public Sector Executive Search

Leadership built for public life

Government and public sector executive search asks something distinctive of a search firm. The scrutiny is higher than almost any other environment, the stakeholder complexity is greater, and the pressure to deliver against shifting political priorities is relentless. Finding the right person for that requires more than a public sector network.

Saxton Bampfylde has worked at the intersection of government and other sectors for decades, bringing experience from commercial, not-for-profit, research and innovation organisations into senior government and public appointments. Our work spans ministerial and non-ministerial departments, agencies, public bodies, public corporations and devolved administrations, covering high-profile leadership roles and highly specialised positions alike.

We bring deep functional expertise and networks across research, science, innovation, technology, health, finance, HR, policy, strategy and operational delivery, drawing on talent from across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in the UK and internationally.

We are experts in executive and non-executive public appointments, including the complexity of conflicts of interest and the due diligence requirements that come with them. Through our global Panorama network, we access insights into public sector leadership internationally and reach talent well beyond a purely domestic search.

Approved supplier on the Government Commercial Agency RM6290 framework.

For public sector clients, this provides a straightforward, compliant route to our executive search services. Please get in touch to find out more.

Executive search for government and the public sector

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

We start by understanding youToggle

We take time to understand your organisation, its culture, its pressures and what the role is genuinely asking of the person who takes it on. That understanding shapes where we look, how we assess and how we represent you through the process.

We search across sectors, deliberatelyToggle

The best person for a senior government role is sometimes the leader who brings a different frame of reference, someone whose experience in a complex commercial, scientific or regulated environment translates in ways that a same-sector search would miss. Our consultants are specialists across sectors who share knowledge and insight across the firm, which means a government client draws on expertise far broader than any single practice.

Inclusive search, by designToggle

Our research model takes us beyond the expected talent pools deliberately. Government needs leadership that brings different perspectives and lived experience alongside deep expertise, and that talent rarely sits in the obvious places.

Our partnerships with diversity networks including EPOC and Onboard mean we can access and advocate for candidates who bring genuine breadth of perspective. We also co-founded the REACH programme with the Civil Service, a mentoring initiative supporting colleagues with disabilities to maximise their career potential, connecting them with executive-level leaders from outside the Civil Service who bring either lived experience of disability or a track record of improving opportunities for people with any form of disability.

Exceptional candidate careToggle

Senior leaders considering a move into or across government are weighing a significant decision. We treat every candidate accordingly, properly informed, well prepared and supported throughout with care and discretion. Honest conversations and real feedback, from someone who picks up the phone. Many stay connected through our networks for years, and more than a few have come back to us as clients.

A global network that knows the groundToggle

Behind every search sits our Panorama network, 400 leadership experts across the globe, each embedded in their market. In a sector where international reputation matters and the best talent moves fluidly across borders, that reach opens up a candidate pool that a purely domestic search would not.

Leadership support that goes furtherToggle

We work with boards and leadership teams long after an appointment is made, on succession planning, board effectiveness and leadership coaching for those stepping into some of the most demanding roles in public life.

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Our clients

Our team

UK Parliament

"I am in awe (once again) at how you manage to reach so many brilliant people. The briefing notes you provided for each candidate could not have been more helpful - a wonderful and balanced picture of them, professionally and personally. You have left us with the hardest part in selecting just one! "Chair

Department for Work and Pensions

"Their commitment and focus on really understanding the role was clear throughout the process. We now have two credible, appointable candidates - a strong outcome and a real testament to the professionalism and expertise of the Saxton Bampfylde team."Deb Lowery Operations Hub Director

Saxton Bampfylde is proud to be an approved supplier on the Government Commercial Agency RM6290 Permanent Recruitment Solutions framework. For public sector clients, this offers a straightforward, compliant route to our executive search services. Please get in touch with our team to find out more.

Contact our team

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

Speak to our government and public sector team about your next appointment.

Get in touch

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