ARK and Engage launch market-leading recruitment partnership

By Kieran Colgan · 25 August 2020

Northern Ireland’s leading third sector recruitment agency Engage Executive Talent has partnered with us to create a radically new and unique talent recruitment service for Northern Ireland’s housing associations.

Engage Executive Talent is the recruitment arm of CO3, the membership body for third sector leaders in Northern Ireland and has to date helped more than 80 third and public sector organisations recruit chief executives, senior management team members, board chairs, trustees and interim executives.

We are a specialist housing consultancy providing strategic support, bespoke consultancy, interim resources, recruitment and training and development services across the UK for housing associations, local authorities and charitable organisations.

The new collaboration will provide a wraparound recruitment and selection service tailored to the needs of housing associations which includes ongoing leadership and peer-to-peer support for successful candidates after appointment.

Patrick Minne, Director, Engage Executive Talent said:

“This is an exciting and progressive partnership which represents a major evolution of the local housing recruitment sector and combines the collective expertise and competencies of our two organisations. Together we understand the mission, culture and values of a sector dedicated to improving its community, and we recognise why and how those factors need to be considered during recruitment and selection processes, alongside traditional skills and experiences. This is a partnership which will harness the best qualities and experiences of both of our organisations and will bring together ARK’s deep, 30-year knowledge of the UK housing sector with our specialist expertise of the social enterprise sector to deliver a holistic and bespoke recruitment service.

“Over the last six years, Engage has become a leader in the recruitment of third sector leaders, executives, and board members, and this felt like a natural next step for us. The impact of Covid-19 has also further proven the need for high-quality, expert advice and guidance when an organisation is seeking leadership talent, and that is exactly what we provide.”

Kieran Colgan, Director, ARK Consultancy said:

“We are delighted to work with Engage as we continue to extend the range of services we provide to housing associations in Northern Ireland.

Our work across the  housing sector over the last 30 years gives us the professional connections and  networks to ensure Northern Ireland’s housing associations attract the “brightest and best” to board, executive and interim positions.”  

Helen Scurr, People Services Director ARK Consultancy added:

“We have been very impressed with Engage’s work and their intimate knowledge of the Northern Irish housing sector. Like us, they are committed to developing long-term relationships based on honesty, mutual respect and trust.

By combining our skills and expertise with Engage, we can develop a one-of-a-kind package for Northern Irelands largest social enterprises – housing associations – helping to develop the sector’s capacity and develop its future leaders.”

The partnership will formally be launched at an event in Belfast in October.