A DEDICATED external affairs and policy recruitment practice has been launched in Edinburgh this month, after Scottish firm Identify HR and Resourcing won a major contract to supply the UK Government with digital and communications specialists.
Identify’s new Communications and Policy division will be led by Roz Britton, who previously worked in the Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet Office Communications Directorate, where she was responsible for recruiting specialist staff to work on priority Government campaigns.
This month, Identify, won a place on the UK Government’s Digital Outcomes and Specialists Framework (DOS 4) to provide digital and communications contractors across the public sector. The Crown Commercial Service estimates the total value of the DOS 4contract, which will be shared across suppliers, at £1.57bn.
“Scotland is fast becoming a major hub for the UK’s external affairs, digital, PR and policy professionals,” said Roz. “And this is a trend that looks set to continue. However, while London offers many specialist recruitment services, north of the border there was no dedicated service to help support the people and organisations working in this space.
“Having worked both as a senior communications practitioner and recruiter for international organisations such as NATO, within the UK and Scottish governments, and for some of Europe’s biggest communications consultancies, I believe that I have a unique understanding of this sector and look forward to helping businesses find the staff that will transform their organisations.”
Identify was founded earlier this year by CIPD professional Denise Baxter, CEO, and now has offices in Edinburgh, the Isle of Mull and Kent. She was joined this summer by Kenny McAllister, CCO, a specialist software recruiter who has been instrumental in the growth of the company and was responsible for its successful DOS4 tender.
“I am very excited about the growth of Identify and our position within the marketplace,” said Denise Baxter. “Being appointed to support the Government in building its digital infrastructure is a huge achievement, particularly for a firm that was only established a few months ago.
“I believe our success is down to the fact that we hire specialists in our areas: Kenny McAllister our CCO, is an experienced business manager and director with a demonstrable history of success working in the recruitment industry and software consulting sector; I am a chartered member of the CIPD and currently support high tech companies, Chromacity Lasers and Ceres Holographics with their HR needs to support their growth strategy.
“Roz will soon establish herself as the go-to person for Communications and Policy recruitment within Scotland.”
