Further growth planned for Starfish

Organisations across Civil Society stand to play a more important role than ever before in our society. As political, economic and social pressures compound, populations served by both the Public Sector and by charities are already relying on them more heavily – and these services are only set to grow in importance. Continuing to deliver them well, while also undergoing transformation, requires the right boards and the right executive leadership.

Starfish was launched in 2019 to help organisations meet unique challenges by matching them with the leaders that would help them thrive. Nearly eight years later, our goal remains steadfast. Yet the type of support organisations now need from their search partners is different and set to evolve rapidly. Leaders everywhere are asked to do more, faster, in tougher, less predictable conditions: we are committed to meeting their needs, by offering the right services to purpose-driven organisations as demand on them changes.

Doing this well takes durability, reliability and longevity. To that end, I am delighted to confirm significant additional investment in Starfish as we deepen our partnership with boutique investment team Jigsaw Equity. Building on the involvement of Graham Goodwin as Chair of our Board since inception, we are entering a new phase in our partnership, giving Starfish the crucial backing we need to develop and broaden existing services over the long term. In doing so, we warmly welcome Michael Goodwin to our Board.

Since our launch in 2019, the Starfish team has made nearly 2,000 senior leadership appointments for clients including Co-op Group, John Lewis Partnership Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Manchester and Birmingham City Councils, British Red Cross, the Health Foundation, British Chambers of Commerce and Charities Aid Foundation. Meanwhile, our interim team has placed well over 400 leaders and was voted a Platinum provider in the 2026 Institute of Interim Management survey.

With Jigsaw’s continued support, we’ll be even better equipped to do more and go further for these organisations as they deliver their vital work.

Juliet Taylor, Chief Executive of Starfish Search, said: “Graham’s input as Chair has been invaluable in building our business to the size it is today. This new investment gives Starfish the backing it needs to grow further in our core markets, while investigating expansion into new areas and services. We’re pleased to have Michael joining as a non-executive director.

“To be deepening our partnership in this way marks a major milestone in our company’s development. With Michael joining an already strong board, Starfish will benefit from an important fresh perspective. I’m excited about working with Michael, Graham and the team as we shape the future.”

Graham Goodwin, chair of Starfish Search and co-founder of Jigsaw Equity, added: “I’ve been proud to work alongside Juliet since she launched Starfish, and I’ve watched her create a firm that’s become one of the most respected names in public sector and not-for-profit search. Putting more into a business you already know well is one of the easier decisions an investor gets to make. We’ve seen how the team performs in good markets and tough ones, and it has proven its capability and resilience time and again. This investment marks a new chapter for both Starfish and Jigsaw.”

Michael Goodwin, co-founder of Jigsaw Equity, said: “We’d rather know a few businesses really well than a lot of them a little. That means making fewer, larger investments and being properly involved. Starfish is proof of just how well that works over time. I’m looking forward to joining the board and supporting Juliet and the team.”