Hiring for corporate governance roles is unlike any other recruitment challenge. Whether you’re seeking a Compliance Officer, Regulatory Risk Lead or Head of Information Security, the stakes are high – and the right recruitment partner can make all the difference.
For UK-based financial services and law firms, choosing a recruiter with true specialisation in governance roles isn’t optional – it’s essential! Here’s how to assess whether a recruitment partner is genuinely positioned to support your compliance and info-sec hiring needs.
- Sector Specialisation
Generalist recruiters may have wide networks, but governance hiring requires niche expertise. A recruiter who works specifically in corporate governance recruitment understands the technical and regulatory demands of the roles – and speaks the same language as both the client and candidate.
If you’re hiring for a senior compliance or regulatory risk management position, look for a partner with a track record in placing similar roles in firms similar to yours. - Process Transparency
Ask potential recruitment partners how they approach the search. The best firms will have a clearly defined process – from initial brief to final offer – and can adapt it for either retained or contingency recruitment.
A credible partner will also be open about timelines, candidate pipelines, and how they manage confidentiality for governance roles that demand discretion. - Market Insight & Network Depth
Corporate governance recruitment is often about who you know – and who knows you. The right recruiter should bring more than CVs. They should provide market intelligence, advise on salary trends, and offer insight into competitor hiring strategies.
Ask: do they understand current compliance and risk hiring challenges across the UK? Do they have access to passive candidates who aren’t applying directly? - Compliance with Compliance
Ironically, not all recruiters meet the compliance standards their clients expect of candidates. Your recruitment partner should uphold governance best practices – particularly when handling candidate data, contract terms, and screening. - Indicators of a Strong Partnership
Look for:
⦁ A focus on long-term relationships, not transactional hiring
⦁ Evidence of success in your sector or specialism
⦁ Consistency in communication and candidate care
⦁ Knowledge of compliance recruitment trends across the UK
Choosing Middlesex Partnership
With over 30 years of experience in compliance, risk and cybersecurity recruitment and corporate governance search, Middlesex Partnership is trusted by financial services firms and law practices across the UK. We combine sector depth with a tailored, consultative approach – ensuring every hire aligns with your organisation’s goals and values.
Whether you’re hiring for a single governance role or scaling a team, our corporate governance recruitment expertise ensures you have the right partner at every step.