Specialists in Social Care Recruitment
Solving Care Providers' Recruitment Challenges Before They Become Operational Problems
For over 17 years, Stephen James Consulting has been partnering exclusively with health and social care providers across the UK.
We don't generalise. We specialise.
We deliver high-quality permanent, interim and retained recruitment solutions across elderly care, nursing care, mental health, learning disabilities, supported living and children's residential services, specialising in appointments from Deputy Manager through to Regional Director, Operations Director and Board-level leadership.
92% of our clients say they would recommend us, and 85% choose to work with us exclusively for their senior leadership recruitment—because they value specialist knowledge, honest advice and consistent results.
Why Stephen James Consulting?
Recruitment isn't simply about filling vacancies.
It's about finding leaders who strengthen teams, improve quality, protect compliance and make a lasting difference to the people receiving care.
That's why every assignment is managed by consultants who understand the realities of CQC and Ofsted regulation, leadership in care, and the operational challenges providers face every day.
We don't rely on algorithms or keyword matching.
We identify people with the experience, values and leadership capability to make a genuine impact.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We build long-term partnerships through transparency, professionalism and doing exactly what we say we'll do.
Passion
Health and social care isn't simply the sector we recruit into—it's the sector we're passionate about supporting.
Specialism
We work exclusively within health and social care, giving our clients access to genuine market expertise and specialist recruitment advice.
Honesty
No unrealistic promises. No inflated expectations. Just straightforward advice based on experience, market knowledge and what's genuinely achievable.
For Providers
Finding exceptional leaders has never been more challenging.
With more than 17 years' specialist recruitment experience, we understand the pressures facing care providers today—from regulatory compliance and occupancy to workforce shortages, succession planning and staff retention.
That's why we do far more than send CVs.
We take the time to understand your organisation, your culture and your long-term objectives before introducing leaders who are capable of making a measurable difference.
Our clients trust us to recruit:
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Deputy Managers
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Registered Managers
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Commissioning Managers
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Home Managers
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Regional Support Managers
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Regional Directors
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Operations Directors
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Executive Leaders
Whether you require a permanent appointment, an interim leader or retained search, we'll provide a recruitment solution tailored to your organisation.
Working with Stephen James Consulting means:
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Saving valuable management time.
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Reducing recruitment risk.
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Accessing a UK-wide network of proven care leaders.
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Receiving honest market advice.
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Protecting service quality and continuity.
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Recruiting leaders who strengthen your organisation—not simply fill a vacancy.
For Candidates
Exceptional leaders deserve exceptional representation.
We believe recruitment should be personal.
That's why we take the time to understand not only your experience, but your leadership style, career ambitions and the difference you've made throughout your career.
We ensure our clients see the complete picture—not simply your CV or your CQC history.
Whether you're looking for your next Registered Manager position or an Executive leadership opportunity, we're here to support you throughout the process.
Our Candidate Support Includes
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Interview preparation and strategy.
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Career planning and long-term guidance.
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CV positioning and personal branding.
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Honest market insight and salary advice.
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Constructive interview feedback.
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Access to exclusive leadership opportunities.
Our goal is simple:
To help exceptional leaders find organisations where they can thrive, make a difference and build long-term careers.
Recruitment Built on Caring Relationships
Technology can support recruitment.
Experience, judgement and relationships deliver outstanding recruitment.
For over 17 years, Stephen James Consulting has been helping care providers recruit the leaders who shape services, inspire teams and improve outcomes.
We don't just fill vacancies! We solve the problem before they become operational problems.
The Experience to Place Exceptional Leaders
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Duncan McPhee, Managing Director Duncan McPhee has spent the past 17 years leading a team working exclusively with elderly care providers across the UK, building relationships that go far beyond the transactional. His belief from the outset has been that recruitment done properly should do more than fill a vacancy. It should connect exceptional people with organisations where they can genuinely make a difference. That commitment to the sector runs deeper than professional experience. Duncan founded Nottinghamshire Care, giving him and his team a firsthand understanding of the pressures care providers face every day, from CQC compliance and staff retention to occupancy challenges and the relentless drive to deliver outstanding care. It's a perspective that shapes how Stephen James Consulting approaches every placement. The result is a way of working built on trust, specialist knowledge, and a long-term view. Duncan leads a team focused on identifying high-calibre leadership and management talent for providers who are serious about quality improvement, and serious about the people in their care. |
Let’s Start the Conversation
Whether you're hiring or exploring your next move, we're ready to help.
Get in touch for a confidential discussion.