Over the last 12 months, our client has been undergoing a major HR transformation project involving the review of contract terms for all employees. With a highly unionised employee base, this process has involved extensive consultation with the trade unions representing the employees.
Recognising the sensitivity of this project, we were asked to help the client with the recruitment of an interim communicator to support with employee engagement across the organisation.
What Was The Challenge?
We were briefed on the assignment to find and place a specialist interim communicator to focus on the tactical delivery of face-to-face communications across the organisation, including road shows, management cascades and town hall events for a three month period. Particular requirements were to have resilience, creativity, and experience of senior stakeholder management.
However, due to the nature of this role falling within the scope of the new IR35 legislation, which impacts the way interims operate, there was an additional challenge to source a pool of candidates who were willing to work through an Umbrella company rather than a Ltd company. Our most recent internal communications survey,Inside Insight, showed that only 16% of contractors prefer to work via an Umbrella company, so the potential pool of candidates was smaller than usual.
What Our Team Did
Within 48 hours of taking the brief, we were able to share with our client a strong shortlist of suitable candidates. Within two weeks our team had placed an interim communicator who had experience of dealing with trade unions as well as extensive face-to-face communications planning experience.
The successful candidate was able to organise a series of events from planning to execution, and quickly gained respect from senior leaders on the project.
If you're looking for the best interim talent or contractor to join your team, please get in touch:
