Independent Consultancy

AS ASSOCIATES is an independent consultancy with experts in the fields of recruitment and selection, particularly in the design, management and application of Assessment Centres for senior and key appointments.

Any HR based consultancy project, and particularly senior appointment recruitment and selection processes, can be a stressful process for those directly involved. There is always opportunity for rumour and suspicion to proliferate. We aim to communicate clearly to all participants at all stages.

Specialists in HR and Management issues within the Public Sector

We also provide help, advice and assistance in performance appraisal, training and development, elected member support and development and we are at the forefront of best practice.

Experience Counts!

The consultancy has worked UK wide and has an impressive number of Local Government, Local Authority and Public Service clients. We work regularly with the Local Government Staff Commission and a growing number of local authorities in Northern Ireland on a wide range of HR related and management issues.

Size Matters

We are a small to medium size consultancy, “large enough to cope, small enough to care”.

Our consultants form a very loyal and warm network. The personal touch is very important to us and through our relationships with clients and each other we ensure we deliver exactly what is required whilst keeping our costs (and ultimately yours) to a minimum.

Our “Family”

We have a number of lead Consultants each of whom manages a range of assignments on behalf of the company. All of these Consultants have extensive experience of senior management roles in the public and private sector.

Additionally, we draw on the very best people to help us as Associates, all of whom have a background at senior level in the public and/or private sector so they know first hand about the pressures and demands of working at the top in local government and similar organisations.

Advisers working with AS Associates are aware of the current issues facing the public sector, the demands of senior office and the skills and aptitudes vital to ensure success at the top.

One of our strengths is that we work very closely with our clients, forging good relations and making sure we deliver exactly what is required.  We are always willing to work alongside a client’s own HR specialists ensuring that we match client requirements exactly.

Our clients tell us that they value the interest and care we take with them.

Where We Work

We work across the whole of the United Kingdom and to reflect this our lead Consultants are based in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – so there is someone based near to you. However all of us work across the whole of the country so you will get the benefit of our joint expertise wherever your organisation is based.

Assessment Centres can be held in any location, providing there are sufficient rooms available. We are happy to use the Client’s own facilities, hotels, conference centres etc. We will come to you or to a location that is convenient for all.

How We Work

Every assignment has a dedicated project manager drawn from amongst our lead Consultants. This ensures smooth communication, accountability to you as the client and continuity.
Whatever the issue or problem, we can help put together practical solutions and advise on their implementation.

In the scheme of things we are not a huge organisation but that is a key strength “large enough to cope, small enough to care”.

We don’t have answers on our shelves. You won’t find any “off the shelf” HR or Assessment Centre packages from us! Rather we work with you on a bespoke basis to ensure that our solutions match your needs and resources exactly.

Our Approach

AS Associates places an emphasis on quality and equality at all times. We strive to promote equality of opportunity, to be current in our thinking, use up-to-the-minute techniques and materials in all that we do and fully involve the client in all decision making processes. We try to ensure that all aspects of our processes, in particular recruitment and selection, are transparent and relevant to the posts under consideration.

We provide a high quality, value added service to enhance the reputation and image of our client. We don’t skimp or cut corners but you will find our prices very competitive.

We positively welcome and encourage participation from Elected Members and other nominated participants in all parts of the project.