Conor Naughton has built a strong track record of helping purpose-driven organisations thrive, with a career spanning small charities, higher education and social impact. From leading trustee recruitment for national charities to shaping inclusive education strategies at leading UK universities, his work has been defined by a commitment to people, opportunity and positive change.
At Peridot Partners, Conor is a Senior Consultant working with small and medium-sized charities and students’ unions to recruit exceptional leaders and board members. He brings deep sector insight, governance expertise and a warm, people-first approach, ensuring candidates feel genuinely supported throughout the recruitment process.
Prior to joining Peridot, Conor worked in higher education, where he championed social mobility, helped narrow attainment gaps and promoted evidence-informed learning practices. He has also authored national research and guidance on student belonging and attendance, helping shape conversations across the sector.
Conor’s governance experience began early in his career. As a two-year President and Chair of the Board at Nottingham Trent Students’ Union, he led the recruitment of a new CEO and senior leadership team and implemented governance and organisational reforms that strengthened performance. He later served as a governor at Nottingham Trent University, contributing to the development of the university’s strategic vision and priorities.
Now Deputy Chair of Salford Students’ Union, Conor is a passionate advocate for young trusteeship, having served on the boards of three organisations before the age of 30, including the British Youth Council and Nottingham Trent Students’ Union. Through these roles, he continues to support causes he deeply values, particularly those focused on youth, education and social mobility.
Outside of work, Conor is a keen runner, whether at Parkrun or taking on half marathons across Europe, and recently completed his first full marathon. He’s also a dedicated foodie with an ever-growing restaurant list and a loyal supporter of Luton Town.
Talk to Conor about:
- SME charity executive recruitment
- Students’ Union Recruitment
- Not for Profit recruitment
- Youth and social mobility recruitment
“I was delighted by the service from Peridot and working with Conor was a pleasure. Conor took time and care to understand our organisation and the specific needs for this role. Throughout the process, he was professional, insightful, dynamic and enthusiastic in his approach. Communication was excellent and support for us and for the candidates was really great. I would highly recommend working with Peridot.”
Alison Hornby, Operations Manager at The Food Foundation, on the appointment of a Chair and Trustee.
Conor’s selected track record:
Executive appointments:
CamRARE | CEO
Carers First | CEO
Love Squared | Chief Executive
LSE Students’ Union | Chief Executive
Oasis | CEO
Safe & Sound Group | CEO
TaxAid | CEO
Board appointments:
Carers First | x4 Trustees
Classics for All | Chair
Groundwork North East and Cumbria | Chair
Groundwork UK | Trustee and Chair of Programmes & Partnerships Committee and Co-Opted Finance & Risk Committee Member
Kids | Treasurer
Leonard Cheshire | Clinical Trustee
Sulets | Trustees
The Food Foundation | Chair
Weldmar Hospicecare | Audit Committee Specialist Advisers x2
Students’ Union appointments:
Keele Students’ Union | Trustees x2
Open University Students Association (Open SU) | Committee Member
Nottingham Trent Students’ Union | Trustees x2
South Bank Students’ Union | Trustee
University of Leicester Students’ Union | Finance Trustee
University of Portsmouth Students’ Union | Deputy Chair and Trustee
“We had previously attempted to recruit for the role ourselves but were unable to find the right person for our organisation. However, when we worked with Peridot, we attracted an incredible pool of talent, which made shortlisting extremely difficult. We were so impressed by the standard of candidates that we ultimately appointed two Trustees instead of one.
I cannot recommend Peridot highly enough for their sector knowledge, organisation, professionalism and human approach to working with organisations. Conor was excellent throughout. I was particularly impressed by his professionalism and personable approach, which is so important when establishing strong working relationships. He was an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Ryan Beasley, Chief Executive at Keele SU, on the appointment of two Trustees.
“Conor was helpful, supportive and responsive throughout the process. I felt well informed and received really helpful insight about the organisation. There was also a strong emphasis on it being the right fit for the candidate as much as the organisation, which made the process feel two-way and I really appreciated that.”
Appointed Chief Executive at Safe & Sound Group.
Catch up on Conor's articles
- 6 ways to gain more confidence and overcome interview anxiety
- What comes after being a Sabbatical Officer?
- What is values-based recruitment and how does it lead to better hires?
- Young Trustees: the missing voices in charity leadership
- Unlocking the power of Development Boards
- Using the Christmas Break to reflect, reset and consider trusteeship
- What great interim CEO cover looks like on maternity leave
