We are proud to announce the launch of our dedicated Agency Practice, designed to support ambitious communications and public affairs consultancies looking to scale with purpose.

This new practice was created in direct response to rising demand from senior agency leaders who value a recruitment partner with deep sector knowledge, a trusted reputation, and a strategic mindset.

Effective Models Built for Success

While we have previously supported leading consultancies and advisory firms with key ad-hoc appointments, over the past year we’ve taken amore embedded approach with one standout partner. Through an exclusive and strategic collaboration, we’ve worked closely to shape and scale a high-performing team, resulting in over 10 successful hires, from junior consultants to senior leadership. This partnership has shown just how effective a consistent, aligned recruitment model can be in driving sustainable agency growth.

As our Agency Practice evolves, we’re open to exploring similar relationships with other consultancies who recognise the value of a strategic approach to growth. This model is built for ambitious agencies with along-term mindset, and can be tailored to priorities such as cost, speed, or long-term planning.

“Our purpose here is to help consultancies scale intelligently,” said Gavin Ellwood, Executive Chair at Ellwood Atfield. “We act as an extension of your talent team, with a model that’s built for success and tailored to your priorities, whether that’s speed, future pipelining, or accessing hard-to-reach talent. We also provide additional support that takes the pressure off internal teams, streamlining the process to make hiring more consistent, more effective, and ultimately, easier.”

Alongside long-term strategic partnerships, we also deliver high-quality, fast-turnaround contingent hiring, helping businesses quickly secure exceptional talent when time and responsiveness are critical, without ever compromising on fit or standards.

Tasmin Khin, Principal Consultant and heading up the AgencyPractice says “We understand how crucial speed can be in an agency environment, whether it’s responding to new business wins, client demands, or internal movement. While some agencies benefit from long-term strategic partnerships, we also recognise that for many, contingent hiring offers the flexibility they need. That’s why we’re set up to deliver fast, effective results without compromising on quality or fit.”  

A Practice Built for All Levels

Whether it’s a discreet, high-impact leadership appoint mentor a rapid junior to mid-level hire, Ellwood Atfield delivers with precision, speed, and trust. Our Leadership Practice specialises in placing C-suite and senior-level executives into some of the most influential roles in the industry, with a focus on quality, discretion, and long-term fit. These appointments are handled by a dedicated senior team with deep experience and access to the most respected leaders in communications, public affairs, and reputation management.

At the same time, our broader Agency Practice supports agencies with fast-turnaround hiring needs, helping identify and secure the best junior and mid-level talent across all communications disciplines. We're extremely well connected in this space, speaking daily with the market and drawing on a vast network built over years of trusted relationships.

Vetted Interim Solutions

As part of the Agency Practice, we’re also growing a network of vetted freelance consultants, ideal for urgent projects, parental leave cover, or temporary gaps in capacity.

This builds on the work of our already established dedicated Interim Practice, known for quick, reliable turnarounds frequently placing high-quality talent in just 2–3 days. Backed by an unparalleled network built over many years, we connect consultancies with freelance professionals who are ready to deliver from day one.

It’s another way we help agencies stay flexible, responsive, and confident.

Why Us?

Ellwood Atfield is an employee-owned, specialist headhunter for communications, policy, and advocacy skills. We’re proud to be a boutique firm with big impact - trusted by agencies and high-profile organisations to deliver talent that drives results.

·      Deep Sector Expertise: we focus exclusively on communications, public affairs, and reputation management, giving us a sharper, more informed view of the market than generalist firms.

·      A Model Built Around You: from bespoke, discreet leadership searches to fast-turnaround contingent hiring, our models flex to suit your priorities; whether that’s speed, cost, or long-term succession planning.

·      Connected at Every Level: our consultants are deeply embedded in the industry, with an unparalleled directory of contacts and daily conversations across the talent market - from rising stars to C-suite leaders.

·      Beyond Recruitment: we go further than placing people. Our consultancy services include team structure reviews, skills gap analysis, guidance on interview processes, ED&I reporting, and talent pipeline management, helping you build not just teams, but future-ready functions.

·      A Reputation Built on Trust: we’re known for fairness, discretion, and delivery. Clients come to us, and stay with us, because we combine specialist knowledge with a partner-led, personal approach.

The Agency Practice is currently supporting firms of all sizes across the UK and vertical markets, helping with key hires in public affairs, communications, reputation management, digital, and creative services.

We have valuable experience working with agencies and advisory firms across corporate, crisis, public affairs, healthcare, consumer,B2B, sustainability and more. From boutique firms making their first mid-level hire, to global networks reshaping senior leadership, Ellwood Atfield’s new Agency Practice brings clarity, honesty and consistent results.

To learn more or start a conversation about your agency’s growth plans, contact Tasmin (Tasmin@ellwoodatfield.com) or visithttps://www.ellwoodatfield.com/agency

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