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.”
We’re pleased to be partnering with Hanover Talent for a live webinar session on 18th November.
Webinar: 18th November 2026
13:00 – 14:00
Starfish Search | Hanover Talent Presents: Embrace your Imposter
You’ll leave this inspiring session with an understanding of your own imposter, what type of imposter you are, and a toolkit to help you love your imposter as a friend not a foe.
We will walk you through the realities of imposter syndrome with some real-life case studies and then uncover ways to harness the fear, reframe it and overcome any feelings of being an imposter in the workplace.
This interactive session will be led by Hanover Talent Solution’s CEO & Founder, Victoria McLean. Passionate about DE&I, Victoria is an international keynote speaker at female-focused events. Her original insights address topics including imposter syndrome, the art of personal branding, the impact of menopause on business success, setting boundaries at work, and staying visible in a hybrid world.
Please sign up here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lpj4s7NDRxqcEYy45vwkiA
We’re pleased to be partnering with City CV for a live webinar masterclass on 16th September.
Webinar: September 16th
13:00 – 14:00
Starfish | City CV Presents: The Perfect Executive CV
Your Executive CV is the passport to your professional future.
The right one will bypass the technology and the initial 5-second human scan to earmark you for your target role. Isn’t that what a great CV is all about? Writing your own CV doesn’t come naturally. Everyone benefits from fresh eyes, perspective and industry insight. Your Executive CV must articulate your distinctive skills and attributes in a way that shows the value you bring to your future employer. With fewer open roles in the market, it’s never been more important to understand what recruiters look for in a CV, overhaul your CV and have your burning questions answered.
In this one-hour masterclass, learn CV writing tips and strategies from Victoria McLean, CEO of City CV – a career industry expert, award winning CV writer and coach, who has helped over 20,000 candidates secure their dream role. Victoria has developed a nuanced and strategic approach, which fuses market knowledge with a deep understanding of recruitment techniques to help build your personal brand and create a compelling CV story.
Learn how to create a strong and authentic Executive CV which will get you noticed for the right reasons. Expertise and insider knowledge gathered from years of international CV writing and recruiting will be shared, including:
The webinar will be delivered by Victoria McLean, CEO of City CV, an award-winning CV writing and interview coaching consultancy, and part of the Hanover Group.
Please sign up here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HKUxmYfwQyOJHPXSSYQ7aA#/registration
Adult social care remains one of the largest and most complex areas of local government spend, and local authorities across the country are central to delivering it. Starfish has worked with our contacts and colleagues in local government to create a list of talented adult social care leaders, which has been featured in the MJ magazine.