Executive Search
As Deafblind UK prepared to enter an ambitious new phase of growth, the charity recognised that expanding its impact would depend upon building stronger, more diverse and sustainable income streams.
With demand for services increasing rapidly and an ambitious 2025–2030 strategy focused on growth, innovation and long-term sustainability, a decision was taken to create the new role of Director of Income Generation to lead fundraising, retail, commercial development and strategic partnerships.
The appointment represented a strategically significant leadership role within the charity. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and joining the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate would need to combine exceptional fundraising expertise with commercial acumen, strategic leadership and a genuine commitment to Deafblind UK’s mission of empowering people living with combined sight and hearing loss.
“Philip has become a trusted recruitment partner for our organisation. He has taken the time to understand Deafblind UK’s culture, values and the qualities we look for in our people, which means he consistently brings us candidates who are an excellent fit.
The calibre of candidates Philip has presented has been outstanding, giving us access to a talent pool that we simply would not have reached on our own. We trust him with the recruitment of our most senior and strategically important roles, knowing that he represents our organisation professionally and with integrity.
His recruitment process is transparent and collaborative. We receive clear weekly written updates, maintain regular dialogue throughout and we always know exactly where things stand. Our candidates also speak very highly of their experience with Philip, reflecting the care and professionalism he shows throughout the process.
One aspect that particularly sets Philip apart is his no-quibble 12-month guarantee. On the rare occasion that an appointment doesn’t work out, he will re-run the recruitment process at no additional cost, demonstrating the confidence he has in his work and his commitment to achieving the right outcome.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Philip to any organisation looking for a recruitment partner who is professional, responsive, trustworthy and genuinely invested in finding the right people.”
Nikki Morris, Chief Executive of Deafblind UK
The recruitment process began with a consultation with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to develop a detailed understanding of Deafblind UK’s strategic ambitions and leadership requirements for the role.
Whilst a proven record of delivering significant income growth was essential, equal emphasis was placed on identifying an individual who could inspire teams, work collaboratively across the organisation and build long-term relationships with donors, corporates, trusts and statutory partners. The successful candidate also needed to possess the commercial insight to maximise opportunities across fundraising, retail and trading, while remaining firmly aligned with the charity’s person-centred values.
The Hiring Dept. undertook a targeted executive search across the charity, commercial and membership sectors, approaching senior fundraising and income generation professionals with experience of managing complex, multi-million-pound income portfolios and leading organisational transformation.
Throughout the process, Deafblind UK received regular written progress reports, market intelligence and ongoing consultation, ensuring regular communication and confidence throughout the assignment.
Following a rigorous search and assessment process, Deafblind UK appointed Alisdair Caulfield as its Director of Income Generation.
Alisdair brings more than fifteen years’ senior leadership experience delivering sustainable income growth across charities, membership organisations and commercial environments. Throughout his career, he has secured major corporate partnerships, lead high-performing fundraising teams, supported capital campaigns and developed commercially successful strategies. With organisations as diverse as the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and the Royal Blind School, an engagement which gave him a personal understanding of the sensory loss sector and a strong affinity with Deafblind UK’s mission.
During the assessment process, Alisdair demonstrated the strategic thinking, commercial awareness and stakeholder management expertise required to lead Deafblind UK’s income generation strategy. His experience working with trustees, governments, major donors and corporate partners, combined with his collaborative leadership style and commitment to developing high-performing teams, gave the panel confidence that he possessed the capability to help deliver the charity’s ambitious growth plans.
Working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, The Hiring Dept. delivered a strong shortlist of candidates, enabling Deafblind UK to appoint with confidence.
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