Local authority SEND recruitment

Special Educational Manager

"They are highly experienced in listening to the needs of the service and have a strong understanding of SEND and the pressures this places on Local Government services.

The CVs provided are carefully matched to our requirements, which saves considerable time and avoids us receiving large numbers of unsuitable or inexperienced agency candidates.

The agency staff supplied by Spencer Clarke Group are of a consistently high standard and have remained with us for the duration required, providing much-needed stability within the team.

Over time, we have also successfully appointed some agency staff into permanent positions within our service, which reflects the quality of candidates they provide.”

SEN Deputy Manager

"After losing 50% of our permanent workforce over a 3 month period and an unprecedented rise in requests relating to SEN, we required experienced staff who could support in continuing the statutory functions.

Richard at Spencer Clarke Group helped to identify appropriate candidates who could fit into the different gaps within our team.

We have recruited a high volume of interim staff over a short period of time to enable the team to continue to operate. The interim team which we currently have have fitted in amongst the team perfectly and they are obviously a really talented bunch."

Head of Service

"Richard has a wealth of experience so I am confident that when I have a vacancy to fill, he will always provide the right candidates for the right role.

My experience of working with Richard has always been really positive, unlike some other agents he is always easy to contact and he takes the time to listen and fully understand the context of what is needed.

For me, this is so important, especially when there is an urgent need for experienced, reliable staff."

Business Support Officer

"The local authority service was facing and continues to face large turnovers in staff and as a result, we required extensive assistance in securing suitable candidates for short term contracts.

This challenge was impacting our service delivery and capacity to meet caseloads. The high turnover has also impacted the management, training and administrative resources allocated to managing the recruitment process, diverting focus from other issues within the business.

Richard Shorrock at Spencer Clarke Group worked hard to get the relationship off the ground from the first contact we had. He understood the needs of the service and he was able to deliver a significant boost to our candidate pool in what was initially a short period of time."

Director of SEND

"Through an unprecedented rise in EHCPs, the service was severely impacted and work-life balance for the team was strained.

From my first call with Richard, I was confident that he understood the assignment and could deliver a high volume of interim staff.

Within a week, Richard delivered five interim team members who hit the ground running. From my experience, I would have no qualms recommending this agency."

SEND Complaints Manager

"Richard Shorrock is a pleasure to deal with. He is knowledgeable in his field of SEND employment and is always on the ball and quick to respond.

His communication is impeccable and when looking for candidates, Richard is always at hand to respond with candidates. The quality of candidates he has sent to the local authority has been superb and a pleasure to deal with.

He is transparent in all areas of his work. I will look no further as my first port of call is always Richard! He is an asset to Spencer Clarke Group!"

Interim Strategic Lead

"The services that Spencer Clarke Group offered to support the recruitment process were excellent. They provided CVs for a number of potential employees that were relevant to the role within the required timescales.

The staff that I recruited whilst at Birmingham City Council were able to fit into the team with ease and were obviously experienced professionals.

I would not hesitate to recommend Spencer Clarke Group to other local authority teams due to their professional approach and understanding of SEND service needs."

SEND Manager

"Richard was very thorough, always responding quickly to requests in relation to recruitment. He gave follow-up calls to check the quality of candidates and suitability of their skills and experience, responding to comments both positive and less so, and working on supporting the needs we have at any given time.

The quality of staff is of a very high standard; I have been in a position where I have had just 1 vacancy and where I have needed multiple staff. Each request is seen as equal and suitable candidates have been put forward via our Matrix system for consideration. They have also been available promptly for interviews and with a good turnaround for start dates."

Head of Special Educational Needs

"By working with Spencer Clarke Group, we had a large selection of experienced and knowledgeable workers to choose from each time. It has enabled us to significantly reduce our backlog, train staff and pass our local area inspection.

I mainly work with Richard Shorrock. I am particularly impressed with his professional and prompt responses to requests and queries.

I am confident that Richard will provide skilled workers whenever I need them. They are my first point of call whenever I need to recruit temporary or interim workers.”