Glossary

The terms we use, defined.

The terms used on this website, each defined in a sentence, with a link to where it is explained in full.

Aligned Acquisition
Our framework for appointing leaders aligned on three things: the mandate as it truly is, the capability the role demands and the culture the leader will work through. Read more
Aligned Leadership
The four dimensions written into every brief: leadership, performance, knowledge and customer focus. Read more
APEX Leadership Profile
Our assessment for C Suite and board candidates, including the principle and behaviour consistency review. Not to be confused with the Apex engagement model. Read more
ASCEND Talent Engagement Profile
Our assessment for staff, specialists and senior managers. Read more
Capability Density
The share of an organisation's critical roles that have a successor ready now or within the year: ready successors divided by critical roles. Read more
Continuity assurance
Our commitment for up to 365 days after joining. A resignation is replaced at no further fee; a termination for performance is replaced at a reduced fee. Read more
Engagement models
Foundational, Progressive, Strategic and Apex: four levels of assessment depth, intelligence and fee held until the outcome. Read more
EPC, EPCm and PMC
Engineering, procurement and construction; engineering, procurement and construction management; project management consultancy. Read more
H&S Capability Framework
Our framework that defines every level by role, scale, key decisions and outcomes, on five levels from Awareness to Enterprise Authority. Read more
H&S Method
Our seven step search method: Discover, Design, Outreach, Assess, Shortlist, Close and Onboard. Read more
Human Capital Velocity
A diagnostic lens on how quickly an organisation converts its talent into business value. Read more
Intelligence Layer
Eight intelligence elements delivered within a search, from the Talent Landscape Report to the Integration Check. Read more
Leadership Vanguard
Our invitation only, anonymised compendium of senior leaders open to the right opportunity, sent monthly to approved subscribers. Read more
Commitment on the brief
The shortlist criteria are agreed in writing before the search begins; if we cannot present candidates who meet them within fifteen days, the commencement fee is returned in full. Read more
Outcome Partnership
Our commercial model, in which a share of the fee follows the outcome of the appointment. Read more
Shared workspace
Client access to our own applicant tracking system during a mandate, with the live pipeline, notes and feedback in one place. Read more
Talent Landscape Report
The size and shape of the market for a role, live compensation and realistic time to appoint, delivered before the first approach. Read more