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LEDE HR
  • Home
  • HR Support (Services)
  • Culture & Engagement
  • About Ian
  • Recruitment (Services)

Recruitment works best when it’s handled with judgement, care and clarity.

Most recruitment problems don’t start with candidates.

They start with unclear roles, rushed decisions, or a lack of understanding about what the business actually needs.


I support organisations with recruitment when it matters - whether that’s getting a senior or sensitive hire right, or helping a growing business make solid, practical appointments that stick.


Sometimes that’s search-led.

Sometimes it’s more traditional recruitment.


The approach depends on the role, the context and what success really looks like.


A considered, people-first approach to recruitment


I provide recruitment support that is:


  • thoughtful rather than transactional
  • discreet where required
  • honest and realistic about the market
  • focused on fit, judgement and long-term success


I don’t operate as a volume agency.

I work with businesses who care about hiring well and representing themselves properly.


How I support recruitment


1. Search & selection / headhunting


For senior, specialist or trust-critical roles, a search-led approach is often the right answer.


This typically suits:


  • senior appointments
  • confidential or sensitive hires
  • succession planning
  • roles where advertising alone won’t reach the right people


Search work is careful, targeted and discreet.

It focuses on identifying the right individuals, approaching them properly, and representing your business well throughout the process.


Search and selection assignments often stand alone and do not require ongoing HR support.


2. Contingency recruitment (when it makes sense)


In other situations - particularly in growing SMEs - a more traditional contingency approach can be appropriate.


This may be the case where:


  • speed is important
  • the talent pool is more accessible
  • the role is clearly defined
  • flexibility is preferred


Where contingency recruitment is the right fit, expectations are agreed upfront and the process is kept straightforward, professional and fair.


3. Role clarity and manager support


Recruitment isn’t just about finding candidates.


Owners and managers often benefit from support with:


  • clarifying what the role actually needs
  • setting realistic expectations
  • approaching hiring conversations with confidence
  • making sound, balanced decisions


This is where I add particular value - helping businesses slow down just enough to hire well.


4. Culture starts before day one


Every hire shapes culture, performance and retention.


Recruitment sets the tone for:


  • how people feel about joining
  • how they perform
  • whether they stay


Getting this right early makes everything that follows easier.


Who I typically work with


I support recruitment for:


  • owner-led and growing SMEs
  • professional services firms
  • construction, property and operational businesses
  • larger organisations seeking discreet, search-led support


Some clients work with me on recruitment only.

Others combine recruitment with HR or people support.


Both are absolutely fine.


Fees and approach


Fees reflect:


  • the recruitment approach agreed
  • the level of search involved
  • the complexity and risk of the role


Indicative permanent recruitment fees for contingency assignments (plus VAT):


  • 12% for salaries up to £35,000
  • 15% for salaries £35,001-£60,000
  • 18% for salaries over £60,000


A minimum fee of £2,500 applies.


For senior, specialist or retained search work, the scope, approach and fees are agreed separately following a detailed briefing and confirmed in a written proposal.


Recruitment terms


The indicative fees above apply to contingency recruitment assignments.


Full contingency recruitment Terms of Business are provided separately and agreed before any assignment begins.


Retained and search-led assignments are always governed by a role-specific proposal, agreed in writing prior to work commencing.


Let’s talk


If you’re considering a hire and want a straightforward, professional conversation about the right way to approach it, I’m happy to talk it through.


📞 07724 · 046 · 000

📧 ian [at] ledehr [dot] co.uk


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