Ellen has been a third sector recruitment specialist since 2007. Initially working to support organisations in London, she then moved back to the Northeast in 2012 and established herself as a specialist in charity recruitment outside of London. Based in Newcastle, Ellen has extensive networks across the UK, in particular the North East and Yorkshire, where she is also a committee member for the Chartered Institute of Fundraising North East group. Ellen sits on the Senior Leadership Team at Charity People and manages the regional team. A passionate advocate for all things flexible working, she strives to find creative solutions that get the best outcome for all.
A mummy of two little people, Isabella (7) and Freddie (4) life is hectic, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves the gym and tries to go as often as possible to lift some weights and clear her head.
”Ellen is an excellent recruiter, and is a pleasure to work with. She really listens to the detail of roles you are seeking, and takes time to get to know what you are looking for in a long-term career move. She is very friendly and personable, and someone I would highly recommend and definitely work with again in the future.
Helen Hargrave
”Ellen is extremely efficient and so friendly. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she fully understands the needs of her clients. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending her to anyone with recruitment needs.
Laura Barrett
”We worked with Ellen after a number of failed attempts to recruit a very specific role. Within a couple of weeks Ellen has found a candidate for Willow Burn and we are appointing. Thank you for your professionalism and great service would highly recommend!
Katherine Cooper
”Ellen was fantastic and made finding a great role a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Ellen took the time to listen to what I was looking for and match my skills to the right role and organisation. She understood the important aspects, such as the culture of the organisation, and really got to grips with who the right candidate would be. I couldn't recommend Ellen enough, from both an organisation or a candidates perspective.
Tom Watson
”Ellen has worked with me twice over my career. On each occasion she has succeeded in supporting me into a role that progresses my career, offers exciting challenges and new experiences. Ellen is tremendously professional, astute and honest in her judgements and I couldn't have hoped for a more productive relationship.
Pascale PalmerSenior Press Advisor, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
”Ellen is an extremely professional, pleasant and approachable person who takes her recruitment role very seriously. She is organised and methodical in her friendly approach. She has successfully introduced the charity to our new Fund director. A pleasure to work with.
Caroll PattisonFund Director, ncjMedia Limited
”Ellen is highly skilled at what she does and very professional. She's a joy to work with and I recommend her warmly. She also has a very engaging personality and clearly wants to go the extra mile to make sure everyone is as informed as possible.
Susanne OwersDirector of Fundraising, SOS Children’s Villages UK
”Ellen supported me in recruiting a new team at the RAF Association in early 2019. Ellen listened to, and, importantly understood our requirements, often going the extra mile to seek exceptional candidates that fitted our needs, which wasn’t a small task. I would highly recommend Ellen for her enthusiasm and dedication in supporting charities find the ideal candidates. Thank you!
Rebecca Jayne DaviesHead of Philanthropy, Royal Air Forces Association
”Ellen is always amazingly supportive - she invests time and effort to really get to know you as a person and understand what makes you tick. Ellen is very professional and is always a good sounding board. she is determined to get the best for all parties involved and won't try to place a round peg in a square hole. She is warm, approachable and trustworthy - I can't recommend her highly enough.
Helen SmithSenior Legacy Manager, Cancer Research UK
”Ellen supported me over a number of years with finding a new role. She identified a range of really good job opportunities. She guided me through the application process equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure my CV and supporting statement exceeded the requirements of each role. Every application resulted in an interview and Ellen offered further guidance and fantastic interview tips. She has encouraged and supported me every step of the way which has given me the confidence to secure a new position in the charity sector.
Hazel DitchburnCorporate Relationships Manager, Oasis Community Housing
”I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ellen to anyone in the charity sector looking for a regional role. Ellen really takes time to listen to what you are searching for in a new position. Her knowledge and understanding of the sector means that she is best placed to bring these opportunities to you.
Louise WisePartnerships and Philanthropy Officer, North Yorkshire Hospice Care
”Ellen and Amelia were amazing! They became invested in me, and it showed. Professional, likeable and hard working.
Jess Lees
”Almost within a week I had a new job with great pay and conditions thanks to Ellen. It was a seamless and extremely professional process. I felt valued and understood in terms of my experience, qualities and skill set. I would totally recommend Ellen as she made me feel just as valued as the employer. Other recruitment agencies often are not as respect. I totally trusted her judgement.
Michelle VaughanBusiness Development Manager, n-compass
”Almost within a week I had a new job with great pay and conditions thanks to Ellen. It was a seamless and extremely professional process. I felt valued and understood in terms of my experience, qualities and skill set. I would totally recommend Ellen as she made me feel just as valued as the employer. Other recruitment agencies often are not as respect. I totally trusted her judgement.
Caroline O’DohertyCampaign and Appeals Manager, Sick Children’s Trust
”Our previous recruitment attempts to this role had been unsuccesful; not attracting people with the right skills.Ellen listened carefully to what we thought we needed and helped us to shape the role; she advised us on salary and what potential candidates might find appealing about our organisation. What was particularly useful was the help that she gave at each step of the process and when we faltered she was there to talk it through with us again. As a small organistion we were hesitant about spending in order to recruit but we definitely consider that we would not have reached the candidates that we did and we wouldn't have appointed the successful candidate without Ellen's help. The investment was worth it in terms of getting the right person and easing the burden on current staff.
Helen LittlewoodDirector, Clifton Learning Partnership
”Ellen was a fantastic support to me in both recommending suitable vacancies and helping me throughout the application process. She really helped me build confidence before interviewing for my current role which I am sure helped me to be successful. Ellen is always friendly, really easy to talk to and happy to give her time to help you out. She makes job searching much easier and a more fun experience.
Siobhan MIndividual Giving Manager, Manchester Foundation Trust Charity
