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UK recruitment body urges FA to seriously revise approach to recruitment
Following the departure of Steve McClaren as England’s football coach, the REC is urging the Football Association to re-think its recruitment processes to ensure that England’s next coach is the right man for the job.
Speaking at a news conference last week, the FA chief executive, Brian Barwick, admitted errors were made in the recruitment of Steve McClaren and that the selection process would have to change.
Paul Harper, chair of the Association of Executive Recruiters, a division of the REC, comments on the importance of best practice when using headhunters to fill high profile positions: “Being seen as second choice put Steve McClaren under pressure from day one. Discretion is key in recruitment and any negotiations should be done behind closed doors until a firm decision is made. For high profile organisations like the FA, headhunters can add real value by discreetly approaching candidates to assess suitability and interest.
"The FA is expected to pay Steve McClaren more then £2 million in compensation for terminating his contract early, so it’s crucial they take due care and attention to ensure they find the right candidate.
"By not qualifying for the European Championship, the FA now has the luxury of time to find a replacement before England’s next scheduled fixture. The FA should also provide a clear brief and be open with candidates about the job specification at the very start of the recruitment process.
"Equally, it’s important that the headhunter is given a clear brief, realistic timescales to work in and privacy from the media to effectively carry out their search. Ultimately, when both sides have so much at stake, it’s important to be honest about expectations.
"This is a message to all employers looking to recruit for senior positions, as the wrong recruitment decision can result in serious financial loss. There is also the reputation of a company to consider. Making the wrong recruitment decision one too many times can have negative consequences on crucial opinion formers.”
