Peterborough Cultural Alliance (PCA) is the organisation dedicated to developing and implementing the Peterborough Cultural Strategy. The PCA is an extensive alliance of members, including Arts Council England, Peterborough City Council and Nene Park Trust. The role of Head of Place and Partnerships was created to lead and manage strategic partnerships and place-focused initiatives to enhance cultural development, inclusion and sustainability. This key leadership appointment was critical to supporting enterprise and ensuring the city and its residents benefit from the rich local culture.
Context.
The search for the Head of Place and Partnerships was initiated at a pivotal time for PCA, following the adoption of the Cultural Strategy. The recruitment aimed to secure an accomplished leader to drive transformative change and build networks across the city.
This role was fundamental to supporting the ongoing development of rich programmes built around three core pillars:
- Infrastructure and Space
- Children and Young People
- Community Engagement and Participation
A significant underlying necessity for this search was identifying a candidate who could help the PCA increasingly develop independently and understand the opportunities presented by shifting funding models.
Brief.
The client required an individual with exceptional strategic planning, collaboration and project management skills to drive initiatives promoting sustainable cultural infrastructure, economic growth and social inclusion. Peridot Partners delivered an executive search focused on attracting high-calibre candidates for this full-time, permanent position, which came after a period of change at the organisation. The approach emphasised inclusivity and attracting a diverse field of applicants by promoting the role across multiple digital channels and sector-specific networks. Success for the client was defined as appointing a leader who could align the organisation’s vision with delivery, build strong, values-driven partnerships and realise the ambitions of the Cultural Strategy.
Outcome.
The role attracted a strong field, with 16 applicants from a range of arts, heritage, cultural and place-making backgrounds.
The final shortlist included.
- A multi-award-winning leader known for developing high-impact cultural strategies and managing significant budgets across major national and international institutions.
- An accomplished cultural manager with recent experience leading a borough-wide Year of Culture for a local authority.
- An experienced producer with over 13 years of cross-sector work, specialising in co-creation and community-focused arts, particularly in youth development.
The appointee was an experienced leader who brought over 29 years of experience in the creative sector, including more than seven years working directly within Peterborough at Nene Park Trust. Her background aligned closely with the three core pillars of the role, with experience leading youth arts programmes, managing large physical infrastructure and developing community engagement programs with local partners. The appointment ensures deep local knowledge, positioning the PCA to move forward in realising Peterborough’s compelling vision for the culture of this diverse and growing city.
“It was a pleasure to work with Peridot again. Their professionalism, deep understanding of our sector and strategic approach to recruitment were outstanding. They presented us with an impressive shortlist of high-calibre candidates, and with their expert guidance and support, we successfully appointed an excellent individual to our team.”
Head of People, Peterborough Cultural Alliance
