Dawn Bennett

• Successfully transitioned into role with minimal handover, taking full responsibility for direct sourcing all Head Office / Care roles within Lincolnshire & Buckinghamshire, and strengthening stakeholder relationships.
• Led recruitment efforts for opening of new care home, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to project manage recruitment and onboarding activities.
• Developed and implemented recruitment strategies aligned with organisation's values, enhancing overall hiring process.
• Refreshed Job Adverts, Job Descriptions, Interview Packs, Assessments, Marketing Materials and Process documentation.
• Fostered collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and innovation.
• Focused activities to enhance Candidate Experience and Retention.
• Devised contingency plans for risk mitigation in various scenarios.
• Developed new markets for expansion of company's product range.

• Collaborated with operational leaders to identify staffing needs across 35 Supported Living and Elderly Care Homes.
• Introduced training programmes for key staff to enhance recruitment techniques, fostering proactive culture.
• Developed engaging collateral and digital content with Marketing Team to attract ideal candidates.
• Implemented Skills for Care training options, providing clear career paths for employees aligned with DHSC standards.
• Launched bespoke Leadership Programme in collaboration with Strategic Development Director and approved Learning Provider, delivering six modules to all Home Managers.
• Established robust Preferred Supplier List by aligning agency fees, KPIs, and capabilities to support recruitment efforts.
• Conducted market research to identify growth opportunities and enhance strategic initiatives.
• Streamlined operational processes, optimised resource allocation, and implemented cost reduction measures for increased efficiency.

• Strengthened recruitment activities, successfully filling critical business roles and enhancing employer value proposition.
• Partnered with Operations Director to implement process improvements and streamline recruitment practices.
• Refreshed recruitment templates, optimising onboarding processes to improve time to hire.
• Trained recruitment team members in interviewing and evaluation skills, enhancing candidate assessment.
• Negotiated cost-effective terms with external recruitment agencies, significantly reducing expenditure.
• Liaised with department managers to ascertain specific staffing needs and preferences.
• Established relationships with potential candidates through proactive communication strategies.
• Screened candidates, conducted interviews, and selected ideal talent for open positions.

• Managed end-to-end recruitment processes for over 60 Trusts, achieving 99% SLA record and effectively supporting staffing needs across multiple roles.
• Developed comprehensive skills matrix to identify gaps and create cross-training plan, ensuring teams agility and flexibility.
• Oversaw daily operations to achieve high productivity levels.
• Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best decisions.
• Ensure high level of service is delivered to Client Trusts for attracting, registering, and validating Flexible Workers – working at frontline developing credibility in service provision through key working relationships.
• Recruitment support for Corporate and Clinical roles, including role specifications, interviews, assessments, and On-Boarding/Inductions.
• Provide leadership for both external and internal stakeholders ensuring delivery of effective and efficient service within specific area of responsibility and across whole of NHS Professionals
• Responsible for operational management & delivery of all Recruitment and Registration Processes within Head office team ensuring SLAs are consistently met
• Responsible for continuous improvement and evolution and redesign of Recruitment and Registration processes both strategically and operationally to drive improvements in Time per Hire, Compliance, Customer Service/ Engagement and Recruitment process redesign.
• Identify opportunities for ongoing service improvements working as part of focus groups to evaluate, design, develop and implement solutions
• Lead and develop key initiatives to drive improved customer service culture and improved engagement score (internal & external)
• Responsible for successful implementation of all new systems changes and technology developments e.g. (ATS) that impact Recruitment and Registration as part of wider transformation programme
• Work closely with key stakeholders to lead, develop, and implement proactive, demand-driven recruitment strategy and processes.
• Ensure that all activities are fully compliant with NHS Employment Check Standards and meet all other statutory and mandatory requirements as applicable
• Be commercially aware and focused on financial results – including contributing to new and existing business opportunities with other teams as required
• Lead and contribute to business strategy, planning and policy development for NHS Professionals Recruitment & Registration function
• Deliver sustainable financial performance and budget management in line with Key Performance Indicators
• Lead, manage and motivate all Department Managers and teams (Bank Exclusive, Bank Only, Care Support Worker Development Programme, Auto Registration, Shift Booking)
• Accountable for reporting and effectively managing complaints, incidents and near misses through Complaints and Incidents Management System (CIMS)
• Subject Matter Expert to Directors and Senior Managers within NHS Professionals and in Client Trusts on procedures, policies, and legislation in relation to recruitment of flexible workers.
• Introduced Customer Service training in partnership with Institute of Customer Service enabling teams to deliver exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
• Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.

• Executed significant recruitment transformation, directly sourcing new team and saving over £65k in agency fees.
• Implemented KPIs and SLAs to enhance candidate experience and align recruitment strategies with business objectives.
• Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions.
• Oversaw daily operations, ensuring high productivity levels across teams.
• Utilised Microsoft Word and various software tools for documentation and effective communication.
• Delivered tasks consistently within tight deadlines.
• Led team focused on direct sourcing, reducing reliance on agency services.
• Collaborated with multiple satellite teams to support recruitment efforts with shared resources.

• Working with Procurement to reduce Perm PSL from 100+ agencies to 30 key agencies tailored to Wincanton business needs. Creating and implementing new “ways of working” KPI’s and SLA’ and MI to monitor and evaluate spend and performance.
• Negotiating reduced rates and added value services which have resulted in cost savings and enhanced performance benefiting Wincanton and their Clients.
• Conducted Agency Labour review (temp) and landscape view of labour across business and identifying key areas for cost savings, process improvements and shared efficiencies.
• Work with key internal stakeholders to analyse perm agency spend, processes and understand business requirements.
• Conduct regular review meetings and calls with Perm PSL agencies to build partnership working, sharing knowledge and experiences.
• Develop “minimum standards”, “ways of working” and recruitment processes using Perm PSL agencies when required.
• Work with agencies to negotiate revised fees generating potential cost savings. Developed Perm PSL performance monitoring and better communication to support and strengthen partnership working within Wincanton.
• Instigate Temp Agency Labour Review working with Procurement and other key stakeholders to define current landscape using Financial, HR and Procurement data.
• Working with Procurement to create Strategy Document to include historical information, financials, risks, and tender process to create robust Temp PSL to support Wincanton business objectives.
• Using data engage with business areas reliant on agency resource to understand rational, provide support and potentially identify ways to reduce agency spend.
• Created “minimum standards” with procurement using knowledge within project team and input from operational management. Using “minimum standards” create RFI to go out to potential temp agencies.
• Create criteria matrix, evaluate submissions, and select agencies for RFP. Review RFP submissions select final agencies to present to Wincanton with view to selecting final number of agencies to partner with Wincanton based on their ability to meet business needs.
• Research RPO companies to support with ad-hoc volume recruitment campaigns. Brief suitable agencies and create schedule of RPO tasks with individual costs for each element. Currently trialling three RPO agencies on different projects.
• Working with RPO companies selected to agree objectives, process, candidate communication, reporting, KPI’s/SLA’s Onsite Visits – Client, RPO provider and Internal stakeholders to uncover issues, ways of working and strengthen relationships to improve performance and efficiencies.
• Contract Discussions with RPO providers – Agreeing prices, Monitoring and Reviewing SLA’s & KPI’s Research and gather information from Master/Neutral Vend providers relevant to Wincanton business needs.
• Work with Procurement to identify Master/Neutral Vend providers Wincanton.

Executed complete company restructure, defining Purpose and Vision for flexible RPO solutions.

• Created content and design for new website to effectively illustrate service offerings.
• Developed detailed project plan, negotiated budgets, and motivated team for seamless three-month transition.
• Upskilled teams based on revised Job Descriptions, enhancing roles and accountabilities.
• Revamped systems and technology while ensuring EVP visibility in communications.
• Delivered transformational initiatives with minimal impact on business continuity and operational efficiency.
• Launched Foster Carer Recruitment initiative with 'Invest to Save' strategy, achieving significant cost savings.
• Exceeded profit targets consistently while managing P&L and developing comprehensive marketing tools.
• Closed high-value business deals through persuasive pitches and presentations.
• Made sure contractual obligations were met ahead of agreed service delivery.
• Maintained excellent market and trend awareness to meet customer demand.
• Mentored employees to maximise development potential.
• Provided knowledgeable advice to customers, enhancing their experience.
• Adapted to changing work schedules flexibly; provided consistent performance.
• Handled high-pressure situations calmly, ensuring minimal disruption to services.
• Collaborated seamlessly with colleagues, improving teamwork on projects.