Bespoke Search & Consultancy

Data-driven search.
Mission-driven leaders.

We tailor expert teams—recruitment specialists, strategists, and digital experts—using predictive intelligence to engineer growth for the UK's most ambitious charities.

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The Paradigm Shift

Executive search hasn't evolved since the 1980s.

Fern Talent was founded by sector veterans with decades of collective experience who saw a glaring flaw: non-profits were settling for outdated, transactional recruitment models. We abandoned the old agency playbook to create a partnership built on data, sector expertise, and shared risk.

A completely unique model:

  • ✦ Fixed, transparent fees based on the project scope, not an arbitrary percentage of salary.
  • ✦ 6-month post-placement mentoring to ensure long-term integration and impact.
  • ✦ Sector-specialist advisers assigned to every single search.
  • ✦ An industry-leading 12-month placement guarantee.

Our Services

Four ways to build your team.

Flexible frameworks designed for your specific goals, budget, and internal resources.

01 / Partnership

Hand in Hand.

Fair fixed fee · campaign boost

Professional recruitment support alongside your own campaign. Shortlisting, JD and interview advice, additional advertising across job boards and social, targeted outreach through our CRM — you manage interviews and final selection.

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02 / End-to-end

Partnership.

Fixed fee · pay on placement

End-to-end recruitment management from brief to placement. We handle all sourcing, screening and candidate interaction. Includes expert coaching for integration and six-month post-placement mentoring.

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03 / Search + Consult

Executive Search.

Fixed fee · 360° service

Our complete service combining specialist recruitment with strategic consultancy. Fundraising consultant, sector specialist and prospect-research team. Market mapping, expert panel for first interviews, six-month mentoring, extended guarantee.

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04 / Advisory

Consultancy & Interim.

Fixed scope · clear pricing

Strategy sessions, project-based support (major gift strategy, grant applications, donor programmes) and long-term retained partnerships covering campaign development, interim leadership and training.

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For Candidates & Consultants

Looking for a new project?

Whether you're seeking project-based consultancy work or a permanent leadership role, join our network. We place experts in mission-driven organisations where their skills drive real, measurable impact.

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