testimonials

“We appointed Fletcher Jones with a broad brief. We wanted to add diversity in terms of what the candidate would add to the board. This might originate from gender, ethnicity, nationality or simply different experience. We also wanted someone who could contribute a macro perspective to a fund which is managed very much bottom-up.

We discussed the brief with Fletcher Jones and it was clear that they had got it.

Subsequently, we agreed a long list of nine, which they interviewed. Due to the quality of this diverse list, we had considerable difficulty reducing it to four, who we interviewed. The challenge continued in reducing that number to the successful candidate. I have been involved in searches where I was enthused by one candidate alone. In this case, we would have been happy to appoint any of the last four, and probably most of the last nine. It was an outstanding performance by Fletcher Jones.”

Robbie Robertson, Chair, Lowland Investment Company

“None of our Board had worked with Fletcher Jones prior to engaging them to find a new NED with smaller company fund management experience.  We were open minded as to whether or not the candidates had NED experience as we were keen to find someone able to challenge our managers constructively as well as add to the diversity of views around our Board table.  We were impressed with the long list Fletcher Jones presented for our consideration within a relatively short timeframe, the care taken with FJ interviews of the short list we decided on and the professional management of the entire process. We had worried that having to undertake the whole process remotely would create difficulties but I think I can speak for the Board in saying that our misgivings were misplaced.  We are looking forward to working with our new Board colleague and would happily consider using Fletcher Jones again.”

Jane Lewis, Chair, Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Companies Trust

"We engaged Fletcher Jones to help find an experienced NED to join our Board. We hadn't worked with them before but, as anticipated, they added value from the outset as we worked together to develop our initial role profile. This reflected our willingness to consider candidates from a wide range of different backgrounds, each of which would complement the experience of existing Board members. So we didn't make life easy for them, but they responded brilliantly by producing a very strong list of prospects with an impressive and diverse range of skills. They produced helpful candidate profiles, arranged the now familiar 'Zoom interviews' and generally coordinated the entire process effectively and efficiently. The demanding timetable agreed at the outset was met and the BCPT Board are delighted with the appointment that has now been made. We enjoyed working with Fletcher Jones and would be happy to do so again in the future.”

Martin Moore, Chair, BMO Commercial Property Trust

"We gave Fletcher Jones a challenging brief to find a new NED with wealth management and investment experience and a broader knowledge of the wider industry and current issues affecting investment companies. We were happy to consider candidates who had no previous NED experience and encouraged Fletcher Jones to produce a diverse long list. We also stressed that we were keen to ensure that our appointee would add to, and not just duplicate, the skills of existing Board members. Fletcher Jones quickly understood what we were looking for, and their detailed feedback from the nine interviews they conducted with candidates selected by us from their long list was particularly helpful in enabling us to consider skill set, personality and fit and to refine our thoughts. In the end, we interviewed a shortlist of 3 candidates. We are delighted with the outcome and are now very much looking forward to welcoming the successful candidate on board. We are very grateful to Fletcher Jones for their efficient and careful handling of the whole process and would be happy to consider using them again."

Wendy Colquhoun, Chair, Henderson Opportunities Trust

"We tasked Fletcher Jones with a brief for a current affairs expert with European focus. This is by no means a standard brief in investment trusts, but they approached it with imagination, checking back at several stages to see if they were on the right track. They researched academia, journalism, public service and think tanks and the result was a first-class list of candidates from whom we were able to select our new director. The process kept perfectly to the initially indicated timescale and was efficient and diligent."

Vivian Bazalgette, Chair, Fidelity European Trust

"Following a tender process we chose Fletcher Jones to search for a senior fixed income specialist. We weren't disappointed. Although we had provided a detailed brief, they took the trouble to arrange a personal meeting before we awarded the contract, and the interaction afterwards was faultless. The process was professional and ran smoothly, the long list was impressively diverse and from an excellent gender-balanced shortlist we were able to recruit a first-class candidate. I can't praise FJ too highly."

John Boothman, NomCom Chair, City Merchants High Yield Trust Ltd

“To recruit a new CEO, we first sought to identify the right agency to conduct the search. Fletcher Jones came top in a competitive process due to their clearly communicated approach, understanding of our needs and what a 'good fit' for us may look like. They produced a strong candidate list, supported by objectively written reports. At each stage Fletcher Jones gave timely, clear, and appropriate updates which smoothed the selection process along to final interview and a successful, high quality appointment. A debrief by the Board concluded that we were very pleased with the service Fletcher Jones provided and have no hesitation in recommending them. I personally felt that the team worked hard to help us find not just a great CEO but the right CEO for Metfriendly, the Board and our members."

Joanna Young, Chair, Metfriendly

“Fletcher Jones provided great support for the PG Mutual CEO search. From sourcing a very strong long list, to the in-depth analysis of the short list, and then to the final interviews, the non-executive directors felt that Fletcher Jones managed the process with professionalism and expertise that led to the appointment of an exceptional candidate as CEO.”

Paul Howley, Chair of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, PG Mutual

"Following the successful appointment of a NED to the board in 2021 and of a new CEO in early 2022, we once again engaged Fletcher Jones to help us find a Chair of Audit and Risk NED. This required a specific set of skills for the role but also an ability to engage with the wider agenda and strategy of the Society. Fletcher Jones were able to utilise their network and expertise to compile a strong list of candidates with the appropriate qualities we were looking for. The assignment was extremely well conducted from start to finish and resulted in an impressive appointment to the Board. We would certainly use Fletcher Jones again and would not hesitate in recommending them for recruiting Board Directors.”

John Quinn, Chairman, Board of Management, Cirencester Friendly Society

"Following a tender exercise, we appointed Fletcher Jones to conduct a search for a new CEO. Impressed by their understanding of the building society sector and their proposed approach, which was tailored to our tight time scale, we were impressed by the strong candidate list, supported by comprehensive and helpful written reports. At each stage Fletcher Jones provided help and advice which led to a smooth and seamless search process and an excellent choice of candidates.  The appointments panel could have appointed a number of individuals, and the process was successfully concluded with the recruitment of an excellent new CEO.  We were very satisfied with the service Fletcher Jones provided and have no hesitation in recommending them.”

Richard Drinkwater, Nomination Committee Chair, Penrith Building Society

“A recent review of our succession strategy identified a need for the replacement of two of the Society’s longest serving NEDs. Following an analysis of Board skills, we again turned to Fletcher Jones to support us with the two assignments. Our brief was to identify NEDs with Marketing and Finance backgrounds. In both cases, Fletcher Jones was able to source a strong list of candidates with the appropriate qualities we were looking for. Both of the assignments resulted in successful appointments to the Board. We would certainly use Fletcher Jones again and would not hesitate in recommending them.”

Andrew Horsley, Vice Chair and Chair of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Chorley Building Society

“We approached Fletcher Jones to work on a NED assignment. This was our first experience of using them and we have been very impressed. From the initial briefing through to short listing and interview the Fletcher Jones team have been professional, approachable, and always very efficient. We had confidence in their approach from the updates and clear communication with us at each stage of the process. That confidence was further embedded with the provision of a strong candidate list that led to a great appointment for us. A positive experience all round.”

Kimberly Johnstone, Director of People and Corporate Services, The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland

“We appointed Fletcher Jones to assist with the search for a new partner in our corporate practice. The process worked very well. We were impressed by the work carried out by Fletcher Jones on shortlisting candidates and it really felt like a collaborative approach. We are very pleased with the successful appointment and would not hesitate to recommend the Fletcher Jones team for other appointments.”

Bruce Farquhar, Chair, Anderson Strathern

“We set a tight, challenging brief in terms of the attributes of the ideal candidate we were looking for to fill a key role in our firm. This meant the likely appointee would need to relocate from a big city to a regional centre. Fletcher Jones filled us with confidence with their hands-on approach and the impressive shortlist prepared for us, which demonstrated they understood exactly who we were looking for. The candidates were not only of the prerequisite calibre, but also a good fit with our culture. We are delighted with our new partner.”

David Smith, Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie

“Fletcher Jones were appointed to find a senior private client lawyer with a diverse set of skills who was established in the Edinburgh market.  A priority for us on this search was to ensure that the fit was right for our established legal team and we needed someone to come in to succeed to the management of this team and take the team with them and for the change to be managed carefully.  I am always reassured working with Fletcher Jones that they truly take on board and understand what is important to us and ensure this is the case before they bring candidates to us. In the latest appointment, Fletcher Jones have done this was handled to their usual high standard and most importantly they ensured that they continued to be fully involved and managed the process even after a candidate has tendered their resignation when there can still be risks to overcome.”

Carole Tomlinson, Partner and Head of Private Client
Anderson Strathern

“Having been retained on searches for a number of senior appointments in recent years, Fletcher Jones has gained a good understanding of our firm’s culture and of how challenging it can be to recruit top calibre senior lawyers in a highly competitive market. When a much sought-after individual became available, Fletcher Jones responded quickly and supported our recruitment process despite a few counter offers and secured a valued addition to our corporate & commercial team. Fletcher Jones lived up to its ‘trusted advisor’ reputation.”

Murray McCall, Managing Partner Anderson Strathern

“Fletcher Jones worked with the Edinburgh Academy to recruit a Commercial Director to head up our trading activity.  The team at Fletcher Jones were a pleasure to work with due to their professionalism and their ability to steer us through this process to a very successful conclusion.  Despite working to tight timelines, they took the time at the start of the process to develop a really good understanding of our business, our requirements and the team. This proved to be invaluable later in the recruitment process as they were able to offer insightful advice and guidance at critical times.  I highly commend them to you and will be very happy use them again.”

Guy Cartwright, Bursar, Edinburgh Academy

“With over £1.1bn of assets to look after it is essential that we attract Trustees of the very highest calibre. The Fletcher Jones Team were a delight to work with. Well organised and completely professional, they provided an intelligent and diverse panel of candidates and gave us the support we needed to secure two outstanding new Trustees.”

Ian Blackford, Chair, Golden Charter Trust

"Fletcher Jones took time to understand both our cultural context and operational requirements and delivered an excellent range of candidates that exceeded expectations".

Matthew Carpenter, Head of Finance/Company Secretary, The Salvation Army

“I worked with Jo over a six month period as I felt I needed some external perspective on a new role I had taken on, and support me in my change of direction. The Coaching experience was really helpful. Jo asked great questions and leads you to reflect on areas that may not have been obvious on first review. It also supported me to make a committed plan of action to myself- not only within a professional setting but also personally. I would highly recommend Jo and found the experience invaluable.”

Senior Leader, Scottish Widows

“Jo was wonderful from the very first email we exchanged. She is an amazing listener and her ability to read between the lines and analyse situations is very inspirational. Her personality is also so refreshing to be around and you always leave her company on positive, re-charged and motivated to take the next step forward.”

Former Managing Director, Underground Maintenance Systems