Homes for Homes is an independent, not-for-profit organisation established by Australia’s largest and most successful social enterprise, The Big Issue. Homes for Homes believe all people have a right to secure and safe accommodation and is on a campaign to tackle the chronic shortage of social and affordable housing. Having developed a suitable finance model to support Australia’s government, Homes for Homes began the process of considering if the UK could benefit from a similar housing finance scheme in 2017. Homes for Homes partnered with The Big Issue North Trust (part of The Big Life Group) to sponsor the development of the UK feasibility model.
The Challenge
The Big Life Group appointed Pennington Choices Ltd to recruit a suitably skilled and experienced housing professional capable of delivering the Homes for Homes vision. The appointed professional would be central to the development of a UK feasibility study; consulting with key stakeholders and identifying the preferred model to enable the UK to benefit from the establishment of socially minded housing finance scheme.
What We Did
Chris Spencer (head of people resourcing at Pennington Choices Ltd) took responsibility for the recruitment process from inception through to appointment. Chris liaised closely with the CEO of the Big Life Group to understand the organisational values, objectives and vision the successful candidate was required to meet.
He established the necessary competencies and experience required of candidates to ensure applicants held relevant skill and understanding for the senior position. Chris began the search for suitable candidates once satisfied he had a clear understanding of the requirements for the role and ambitions of the Big Life Group. He held preliminary discussions with interested candidates to further understand their background and ascertain their suitability for the role.
Chris provided the Big Life Group with curriculum vitae of suitable candidates, accompanied with his recommendations for the organisation’s consideration. Chris notified candidates whom the Big Life Group were interested in meeting for first round of interviews and arranged agreeable interview dates.
Chris notified all candidates of feedback following introductory interviews. He formally concluded the recruitment process for unsuitable candidates and gave further instructions for the remaining candidates.
Our Achievements
Following secondary formal interviews, the Big Life Group appointed their preferred choice to fulfil the position of partnerships manager. Chris sought final information from the preferred candidate (including reference information and eligibility) and provided this to the Big Life Group.
In October 2017, Homes for Homes announced the appointment of their UK partnerships manager. The position is now fulfilled by a senior housing professional with extensive experience within the sector – including serving as financial director for four separate housing associations, a private company and, crucially, a charity.
