Compass Carter Osborne supported a North-West based provider of specialist care – backed by Palatine Private Equity – to source a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the business.
Reason and Purpose
Following the recent appointment of a new CEO, a board appraisal had been completed which resulted in the need for a new CFO who would be responsible for engaging with both the Local Authority, and NHS to drive referrals into the business.
Why Compass Carter Osborne?
Compass Carter Osborne was approached about the need at a CCO-run event, where the client commented on the search firm’s deep and meaningful network, and evident sector knowledge which was needed to identify a sector specialist for the open headcount.
The CCO team were able to draw-upon an established track record of delivery within the investor-backed specialist care sector, at FD and CFO level, to demonstrate their ability to support the hire. This was a key criteria for the client, as they had previously tried recruiting the role through another search firm who were unable to present a shortlist which matched their specific need.
Search Process and Methodology
Given the geographical need to be based in the North-West, and the urgency of the hire, CCO were able to run an accelerated process in line with client demands, conducting the search across a four-week timescale.
One third of the shortlist identified as having a protected characteristic, with three candidates identified by both the provider, and investor, as being suitable to progress through a four-stage interview process. The successful candidate was offered and accepted at first time of asking and benefitted from having good availability and no non-competes which enabled a fast-start. They had excellent prior experience of working in a private equity backed mental health provider, based in the North-West; and had been responsible for negotiating with both NHS and Local Authorities.
Meet the consultants

Paul Spicer
T: 020 8036 3530
E: [email protected]