NHS Kent and Medway sought to fill the difficult role of Business Development Director/COO requiring both commercial acumen and understanding of the NHS. Through direct sourcing, TMP identified 34 suitable candidates, shortlisted 6, and interviewed 5. This resulted in a highly qualified appointment within 7 weeks at a quarter of the cost of traditional search methods. NHS Kent and Medway were pleased with the successful and cost-effective process.

1. Case study: NHS Kent & Medway – Direct Sourcing
Business Development Director/COO
Challenge Solution Results
NHS Kent and Medway, a cluster of After an initial brief meeting, the Direct 34 Longlist
three Primary Care Trusts, were Sourcing representative took a full brief, 6 shortlist
looking to recruit an interim Business uncovering the unique elements and 5 interviews
Development Director/COO. This role engaging criteria for this role and set 1 appoint
would play a major part in leading the about sourcing both passive and active The results were impressive –
transformation of commissioning job seekers. With the use of deep web all 5 candidates were deemed highly
services into a professional and viable searching, online community appropriate and an offer was made
service offering. This role called for penetration, LinkedIn analysis and which was accepted.
those with huge commercial acumen other methods, a longlist of 34 suitable All in all, the process took 7 weeks
coupled with a deep understanding candidates was established and ‘tester’ from initial speculative conversation to
and appreciation of the NHS and CVs submitted to NHS Kent & Medway. offer and at a cost which was at least
of a professional commissioning This gave us the opportunity to sense- a quarter of a Search & Selection
support business. check the suitability of the candidates campaign – an added bonus in a hugely
Fast facts… This combination of skills, coupled
with exceptional leadership,
engagement and gravitas was a difficult
and from there, contact was made by
email and phone to introduce the
opportunity, establish interest and most
competitive arena and a cost conscious
market, where public spending is under
huge national scrutiny.
Industry Sector challenge, one that would not be met importantly engage with relevant
Public Sector – NHS sufficiently by traditional advertising candidates. All contact was ‘client
methods. The natural alternative, branded’, which aided with the
Type of Service Search & Selection was considered,
however the cost proved prohibitive.
candidate engagement – crucial for
securing commitment and follow-
“We were very happy with
the process, cost and outcome.
NHS Kent & Medway approached TMP through of the process. A short list of 6
Direct Sourcing
and we were able to provide a creative candidates was presented to NHS Kent
A well managed campaign! ”
Results alternative – Direct Sourcing. & Medway and 5 of these were invited Cathy Pitcher. Associate Director
to interview. At all stages throughout Human Resources and
An outstanding and hugely the process, TMP maintained candidate Organisational Development – NHS
cost-effective hire. contact, ensuring commitment to Kent and Medway PCT Cluster
interview attendance and offering a
conduit communication service.