TESTIMONIALS
Feedback from Client Organisations
I've called on Mary's first-class industry knowledge and expertise on a number of occasions over the last four years, during my time leading Theatre Royal Plymouth. Whether it has been Trustee or Executive team recruitment on all occasions Mary's bought valuable support, perspectives and challenge to all of the processes we have collaborated on.
On all occasions Mary has delivered on her brief and that that has, in-turn, delivered to TRP a more diverse, more expert, stronger board of trustees and senior staff team colleagues."
James Mackenzie-Blackman, CEO Theatre Royal Plymouth
"Exeter Northcott has partnered with Mary Caws since 2022 and she has guided innovative approaches to new leadership structures and recruitment for both Chief Executive and trustee roles.
Mary’s knowledge and networks are built on years of experience and insight which she shares with generosity and clarity. In short Mary offers invaluable expertise as a critical friend and advocate."
Becky Chapman and David Balcombe Co chairs Exeter Northcott Theatre.
"I worked closely with Mary as chair of selection committee for the post of CEO of the Bristol Music Trust which runs the Beacon in Bristol. As our recruitment consultant ,she was crucial in helping us select a shortlist for this important position. She proved to be exemplary in the role. Not only exceptionally engaged and diligent in seeking out potential candidates, she was an astute judge of their suitability for this demanding and complex role.
Our final shortlist drew heavily on her insightful assessment. She was readily available when I wanted to talk about the candidates and unfailingly helpful. A total pleasure to work with. Two years on, I can confirm that my board (and the professional staff who work with the chosen candidate) are delighted with the choice we made.
I owe a real debt to Mary and would choose her unhesitatingly again for any similar task."
Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair Bristol Music Trust
"Mary worked with the Playhouse on the successful recruitment of Tom Wright as Artistic Director. She led a thorough process providing useful insight at each step."
Neil Adleman, Chair Leeds Playhouse
And from a candidate:
"From a candidate point of view, you are clearly working on helping the best true fit to emerge rather than the candidate on paper or with the most impressive profile.
It can be the case that recruitment consultants will reflect back to you the organisation's position, but without having interrogated the organisation's true desires/motivations.
I didn't have this experience with you; I felt you had challenged and interrogated the organisation as much as you challenged and interrogated me - that you actually cared if that was the right job for me, not just if I was the right candidate for them. This is pretty unique in my experience, and you also genuinely helped me unpick and improve my approach, with proper advice based on helping me do my best, again, not just filling the post with the right name or CV.
And the proof is in the outcome, I feel like a bunch of us recently have ended up in the right places at the right time for not just ourselves but the sector in Scotland and where it wants to be in the coming years; your guiding hand and expertise is evident in that in a good way.
Photo credit: Ebony Thomas and José Alves inA Dream Within A Midsummer Night's Dream choreographed by Arthur Pita,photography by Bill Cooper. (C) Ballet Black
