The Professional Footballers’ Association is the world’s oldest professional sport trade union, representing professional football players in England and Wales, with more than 5,000 active members.
The PFA were looking to secure a Head of Brain Health as part of its ongoing commitment to brain health, and had recently undergone a series of significant changes leading to the formation of a newly democratically elected Players’ Board – truly diverse, engaged, and inclusive.
Reason and Purpose:
The PFA had recently created a dedicated department to brain health and neurodegenerative disease. As such, they sought to hire a Head of Brain Health who would act as The PFA’s lead clinical executive, with responsibility for supporting and managing all former player neurodegenerative issues relating to the organisation.
Why Compass Carter Osborne?
CCO were appointed following a highly competitive pitch process. Factors behind the award of the project included; understanding of the brief; sector & subject matter expertise; industry track record; engagement & passion demonstrated; and our commitment to diversity. As a newly created role, supporting the PFA to clearly define the accountabilities, expectations and outcomes of the postholder was of critical importance.
Search Process / Methodology:
Compass Carter Osborne undertook an in-depth research process, identifying organisations, associations and entities dedicated to neurodegenerative disease, sports research, commerce and industry, who closely met the criteria of the brief. No stone was left unturned with more than 500 individuals approached; 120+ interviewed; before a long list of 14 then subsequently a shortlist of 8 appropriate candidates submitted for review with the PFA.
Outcome:
In a timescale of under 12 weeks from initial invitation to pitch, through to the successfully identified candidate signing their contract, CCO delivered an outstanding expert in the brain health – specifically Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) – in the appointment of Dr. Adam White. Dr. White is a renowned research leader working across sports, medicine and health. Before joining the players’ union, he was the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Concussion Legacy Foundation UK. He was also a Senior Lecturer of Sport and Coaching Sciences at Oxford Brookes University
Meet the consultants
Kieran Mouser BA (Hons)
T: 020 8036 3530
E: [email protected]
Testimonials
“Compass Carter Osborne delivered on a key appointment for the PFA and the wider football industry. It was a complex brief involving creating an entirely new position. The role was vitally important, with the successful candidate taking on a sensitive and multifaceted responsibility across CTE, concussion and brain health in professional football. CCO led a comprehensive and exhaustive process, developing a deep understanding of the union’s requirements and using his expert knowledge to help scope and evolve the brief throughout the search. The entire process was professional, efficient and well organised, with consistent communication and feedback at every stage.”
The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) - Chief Executive Officer