Setting the Future Foundation
Public Sector Recruitment Specialists With Deep Roots in Education
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 partner across education and the public sector
Why Public Sector Organisations Trust Us
Our roots are in education recruitment, driven by a belief that learning transforms lives. That same purpose-led approach underpins our work across healthcare, local government and social housing, sectors where people and communities always come first.
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.
We promise, we deliver. It's that simple.
Because the right person for your team isn’t just someone who meets a job specification. It’s someone who shares your values, understands your challenges and brings both skill and heart to their role. That’s why our clients trust us, and why they come back, time and again.
We recruit exceptional people
Sectors We Serve
Grounded in education and experienced across public services, we recruit exceptional people who believe in making a difference.
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
We're not your average recruitment agency. 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.
Education Heritage, Public Sector Future
Our decade of education recruitment taught us that public service roles require a different approach. These aren't just jobs—they're vocations. The people we place believe in making communities stronger. That education expertise now informs how we recruit for healthcare support workers, housing officers, and council roles. We understand public service culture in a way general recruiters simply don't.
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 schools, trusts and public sector organisations 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
Jon Heller
Principal Recruitment Consultant
"My experience with Dovetail & Slate, specifically Matty and his team, has been nothing but exceptional. They have all really invested in me as the client and ensured they understand our needs. This translates equally to the commitment they show to the candidates they work with, being transparent with them and guiding them through the whole process. Where a candidate has been offered and accepted a role the job doesn't finish there, the team remain engaged with the candidate for time afterwards to see how they are doing and if there are any issues they may need support with. Even when our recruiting needs are fully met, the conversation continues just to keep abreast of things so that they are ready to react when called upon. I decline to work with other recruitment agencies such is my trust in Dovetail & Slate."
Dutch Holland
Matty Tanner
Managing Recruitment Consultant
"From the first telephone call Mr D. Cordukes, from start to finish conducted a professional service. Always upfront with a vast amount of knowledge and advice. It was a pleasure to work with him and Dovetail & Slate team."
Carlton
Dylan Cordukes
Recruitment Consultant
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
What the British Summer Can Teach Recruiters
The unpredictable British weather is surprisingly similar to education recruitment. Learn 11 vital lessons the summer can teach HR departments about hiring success.
Shaping the Future of FE: Smart Recruitment for Digital Transformation
Digital transformation in FE is changing how colleges deliver learning and manage operations. Learn how to build a recruitment strategy that attracts the right digital talent.
Burned Out and Underpaid: The SEN teacher shortage explained
Recruiting SEN teachers in the UK is at crisis point. Learn about the factors driving the shortage and practical strategies for finding and retaining special educational needs staff.
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.
