"Having tried and failed more than once to recruit to my Head of Finance post, I commissioned CIPFA/Penna to help with executive search and shortlisting. Philippa Watkins provide super support and advice with this. I was particularly impressed by her ability to understand my business need, her handling of potential applicants and honest assessments/feedback. The new recruit has proven to be a perfect fit for my organisation and I would highly recommend Philippa and CIPFA/Penna for any recruitment, especially posts that have proven challenging to fill."
- Tim Willis, Thanet DC, Director of Corporate Resources
"During my time as a local government employee I worked with an excellent public sector finance provider for the recruitment of high quality and experienced interims. CIPFA placements. They always served me and my authority very well. Now, having taken the step into the interim market myself, I am represented by the one of the best in the business; a combination of public sector ethos and private sector ‘nous’: the newly established partnership between CIPFA and Penna has it all!"
- Kevin Bartle, Interim Director of Finance, Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea
"As part of a wholesale restructure of Haringey’s Finance Service, I needed a transitional and transformational Deputy CFO to deliver a modern, commercially savvy, effective and cheaper Financial Advisory Service.. Azfar Ahmed at CIPFA-Penna was able to source the right person in Anna D’Alessandro. Anna has a mix of KPMG and Council experience with significant commercial and transformation skills and is delivering the changes I need at pace and with energy and passion."
- Tracie Evans, Chief Operating Officer, Haringey Council
"Westminster City Council successfully recruited a high calibre Treasury Manager using the services of CIPFA -Penna. CIPFA Penna were involved at all stages of the assignment including:
- Designing the marketing material,
- Selection appropriate communication channels
- Proactively contacting potential candidates
- Providing background information to interested candidates
- Undertaking initial screening and candidate scoring against agreed criteria
- Post selection candidate feedback and references
"The lead consultant, Azfar Ahmed, provided in-depth insight throughout the assignment and ensured that the recruitment was progressed smoothly. I would highly recommend CIPFA Penna recruitment services."
- George Bruce, Director of Pension, Westminster City Council
"After 20 years directly employed in local government, I made the step into the interim market in the summer of 2015. Meeting with Phillipa and Azfar at CIPFA-Penna was such a refreshing change. They listened to what I wanted, and were incredibly supportive. Within a week of meeting them, I had an interview lined up and was successfully appointed to an interim role.
"The entire CIPFA Penna team are incredibly supportive. Azfar always returns calls if he's unavailable, keeps in touch regularly, and there are also regular networking opportunities and briefings on relevant information for interims. The back office runs incredibly efficiently, billing is straightforward and payments are made as scheduled. For anyone looking for to move into the interim market in local government, I recommend looking no further than CIPFA-Penna."
- Amar Barot, Management Accountant, Children Services, Bedford Borough Council
"CIPFA Penna Team Philippa Watkins and Anthony Hopkin recently recruited me to the Service Head Finance and Procurement at Tower Hamlets Council. The process was rigorous and I was kept fully informed by Philippa and Anthony about progress through the process and what I should expect at each stage. They also worked hard to fit the various components around my busy work schedule. Once I knew I had been successful they liaised with Tower Hamlets to progress the various administrative requirements promptly. I've now started and had several calls to see how things are going. I would highly recommend their services from both a recruiting and candidate perspective."
- Neville Murton, Service Head of Finance, Tower Hamlets