Background

Action for Carers Surrey (ACS) is a leading carers support charity with an excellent local and national reputation. Founded 31 years ago, ACS has evolved into a vital organisation dedicated to supporting unpaid carers in Surrey. The charity’s vision is that every unpaid carer in Surrey is heard, valued, and supported. With a dedicated staff of 55, over 20 volunteers, and zero-hour youth workers, ACS provides practical support, respite, and opportunities for carers to connect with others in similar situations.

The Brief

The Chief Executive role at ACS was a critical appointment, responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction to the organisation. The successful candidate would manage relationships with statutory partners, develop and maintain relationships locally and nationally, and ensure the organisation’s activities are legally compliant. The ideal candidate would be a talented and inspiring leader with a successful strategic and operational track record, dedicated to improving the lives of unpaid carers and promoting their profile locally and nationally.

The Recruitment Process

Given the significance of this appointment, an extensive and highly targeted executive search campaign was undertaken. The recruitment process received 90 expressions of interest, resulting in 35 formal applications. From these, the A list comprised 14 highly qualified candidates. The approach combined:

• Mapping the market – Conducted comprehensive research of leaders in the charity, social enterprise, and community development sectors, particularly those with experience in carers support or similar initiatives.
• Outreach and Engagement –  Reaching out to potential candidates and sector influencers, leveraging networks and those of ACS.
• Advertising and Promotion – Promoting the role through various platforms, sector-specific job boards, and social media channels. A dedicated Q&A webinar was hosted to provide deeper insight into the role and ACS’s mission, attracting a wide range of interested professionals.

The Longlist

The longlist of 14 highly qualified and engaged applicants represented a diverse mix of backgrounds and experiences, including:

• Senior leaders from national and regional charities with experience in carers support and community development.
• Founders and directors of social enterprises with a track record of innovation and impact.
• Professionals with deep ties to Surrey or similar areas, bringing local insight and networks.
• Candidates with experience in start-up environments, capable of building teams and systems from the ground up.

Each longlisted candidate demonstrated a strong alignment with ACS’s values and a compelling vision for how they could lead the charity into its next chapter.

Shortlisting and Interviews

From the longlist, a rigorous shortlisting process was undertaken by the Board of Trustees, supported by member of the Board and Leadership Practice. Candidates were assessed against key criteria including:

• Fundraising success across multiple income streams.
• Strategic leadership and governance experience.
• Community engagement and partnership-building skills.
• Understanding of carers support and related initiatives.

Shortlisted candidates were invited to first-stage interviews, which focused on their strategic thinking, leadership style, and understanding of ACS’s mission. Finalists were then invited to a second stage, which included a presentation to the Board and a deeper exploration of their fundraising approach, stakeholder engagement strategy, and operational leadership.

The Outcome

The search culminated in the appointment of an exceptional Chief Executive who brought a rare combination of strategic vision, fundraising acumen, and deep community insight. The successful candidate had previously led a borough-wide initiative focused on social inclusion and had secured significant funding from both public and private sources. Their collaborative leadership style and passion for carers support made them a perfect fit for ACS’s values and ambitions.

Impact and Reflections

This recruitment process marked a significant milestone in ACS’s journey. The appointment of a new Chief Executive has enabled the charity to:

• Accelerate its fundraising efforts and unlock new sources of income.
• Deepen its engagement with local stakeholders, including businesses, community groups, and statutory bodies.
• Build a strong operational foundation for future growth.
• Champion the needs of unpaid carers and other underserved groups in Surrey.

The extensive search and robust selection process ensured that ACS attracted and appointed a leader capable of delivering lasting impact. The calibre of the longlist—14 engaged and qualified candidates—demonstrated the strength of the charity’s mission and the appeal of the role. Tim Bevan’s was appointed as the new CEO.

Conclusion

The successful recruitment of ACS’s Chief Executive is a testament to the power of strategic search, clear values, and a compelling vision. As the charity continues to grow, this appointment lays the groundwork for a more connected, equitable, and thriving Surrey.