Your Recruitment Specialists
Careers That Shape Communities
We connect exceptional people with organisations that serve our communities - from schools and colleges to healthcare, local government and housing. Everything we do is built on expertise, integrity and a genuinely people-first approach.
Because public service matters.
Your trusted recruitment partner
Placing People Who Make a Difference
We're specialists who understand what it means to serve the public, whether that's in a classroom, on a hospital ward, in a council office or supporting vulnerable residents. That insight shapes how we work with you.
We promise, we deliver. It's that simple.
For organisations, we find people who don't just meet a job specification they share your values, understand your challenges and bring both skill and heart to their role. For professionals, we connect you with opportunities where your expertise genuinely matters and your impact is felt every day.
That's why our clients trust us, why candidates choose us, and why both recommend us.
We recruit exceptional people
Sectors We Serve
Placing people who care where they’re needed most.
Primary & Secondary Education
From nurturing Early Years teachers to inspiring subject specialists, we connect schools with educators who bring warmth, passion and resilience into every classroom.
Further & Higher Education
With 65+ specialist consultants, we provide lecturers, assessors and support staff across the whole learning spectrum, from vocational trades to BTECs and Functional Skills.
SEN & Student Support
Behind every thriving student is a brilliant support team. Our specialist recruiters understand SEN, from emergency LSA cover to long-term SENCO appointments.
Prison Education
We place purpose-driven educators in secure roles across the UK's prison estate, supporting you through clearance and beyond.
Independent Schools
We connect independent schools with teachers, leaders and support staff who balance heritage with innovation, people who fit your culture and start strong in week one.
Executive Search
From interim managers who steady the ship to permanent appointments who shape the future, we find transformational leaders who drive real impact across education and public services.
Healthcare & NHS
We connect NHS trusts and healthcare providers with exceptional professionals, from clinical staff and allied health practitioners to healthcare support workers and service leaders.
Local Government
We partner with councils across the UK to provide frontline support staff, service specialists and senior leaders who care about communities and deliver real impact.
National Government
From Whitehall policy teams to defence specialists and digital transformation leaders, we recruit across the full spectrum of central government functions, vetted, cleared and ready.
Government Projects
We connect major programmes with specialists who deliver transformation at pace, from digital service redesign to infrastructure delivery and organisational change.
Housing & Social Care
We connect housing associations and social housing providers with professionals who build stronger communities, from housing officers to tenancy support and development teams.
We're not your average recruitment agency
What Sets Us Apart
Here's why clients and candidates choose to work with us.
Beyond the CV
Anyone can match keywords on a job description. We dig deeper. What drives your organisation's culture? What does success actually look like in this role? What challenges keep you awake at night? For candidates, we ask about weekend hobbies, teaching philosophies and career dreams, not just qualifications. Because the best placements happen when values align, not just skills.
Sector Experts, Modern Methods
Our team has lived and breathed public service, many have worked in the very sectors we recruit for. That firsthand experience means we understand what these roles truly demand. These aren't just jobs, they're vocations. We combine insider knowledge with fresh recruitment approaches across education, healthcare, local government and housing. We speak your language, recognise cultural fit and know what makes someone thrive in public service, not just survive it.
Rigorous, Human-Centred Vetting
Every candidate undergoes thorough vetting: enhanced DBS checks, professional references, qualification verification, and safeguarding compliance. Our dedicated vetting team ensures you receive quality candidates every time. But rigorous doesn't mean robotic. We support candidates through the process with empathy and clarity. Whether it's lending a laptop for a Zoom interview or refreshing a tired CV, we're here to help.
Testimonials
What Our Clients and Candidates Say
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what the schools, public sector organisations and professionals we support say about working with us.
"10/10 I had an excellent experience with Dovetail and Slate, who quickly understood what I was looking for and matched me with the perfect role. I really appreciated the regular updates and clear communication throughout. I felt supported at every step, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Dovetail and Slate to anyone seeking their next career move. I did not have to chase or worry about anything."
Rabena Faried
"I wanted to thank David from the bottom of my heart for sending me on the UCB assignment. His call seven weeks ago came as a godsend, as I was looking for work and never knew I was capable of achieving more. If he had not shown faith in me that day, I would never have come out of my shell and would never have had the chance to show my capabilities. I really appreciate his efforts as he went above and beyond looking after me in this short-term assignment. He gave me regular weekly calls to check up on me and is always ready to provide work for me in the future. I have absolutely loved working with Dovetail and Slate and look forward to continuing to do so."
Nida Kiani
"Dovetail & Slate offers amazing recruitment services. The organisation's prompt response to emails and calls is quite encouraging. It provides detailed and comprehensive information to potential employees or job seekers with excellent professional follow-up guidance. I had different recruiters inviting me for a talk after going through my LinkedIn page and knowing that I am highly experienced, but they would not provide details and clarity about their offers. Clarity and comprehensive details are an essential part of information that should never be ignored. This organisation is good at providing clear and comprehensive information. Also, the polite manner of approach from the organisation's representatives is quite welcoming. I strongly recommend the establishment keeps up with its approach to recruiting job seekers. My experience with the organisation is awesome."
Henry Oyakhire Adebamah
"Aaron has a lovely friendly professional manner. He listens very carefully to any requests and endeavours to respond appropriately. Aaron has helped me secure a contract with local college which I was able to complete to my high standards. Aaron is a very professional recruitment consultant and I believe we have an excellent professional working relationship. He is a credit to your organisation."
Claire Vincent
Our UK Offices
Local Experts, Personal Service. With offices across the UK, our consultants know the local public sector landscape inside out. You won't get passed between departments or speak to someone different every time. Your dedicated consultant builds a genuine partnership with you.
Bristol Office
Our headquarters in the heart of the South West, serving education professionals across the region.
Manchester Office
Our Manchester team understands the unique recruitment challenges facing public sector organisations throughout the UK.
Leeds Office
All vetting & compliance is managed through our Leeds office.
Our process to find the right match
How We Work With You
Stay informed, Stay inspired
News, Views and Voices in Education
Luke O’Neill Appointed Chief Commercial Officer to Spearhead Next Phase of Growth
Talentia Group’s award-winning education and public sector recruitment specialist strengthens its senior leadership team.
Cooking Up a Storm at Leeds City College
Senior consultants from Dovetail & Slate, the UK’s leading education and public sector recruitment specialists, are set to swap recruitment for recipes as they take part in a special Ready Steady Cook–style challenge at Leeds City College in support of the Yorkshire children’s cancer charity Candlelighters.
HR Leaders Conference Delivers a Day of Insight, Innovation and Inspiration
HR leaders and professionals from across the country attended Dovetail & Slate's HR Leaders Conference, an event bringing together some of the sector's most forward-thinking voices, hosted at University College of Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Whether you're looking to hire exceptional public service professionals or searching for your next meaningful role, we're here to help.
