Case Studies

Delivering pace and clarity in all-age commissioning through SoW consultancy


Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils operate within a Marmot joint council arrangement, working across organisational boundaries to deliver improved population outcomes.

Within this context, the organisation needed to act at pace while maintaining alignment across a complex system.

The joint council faced a dual challenge:

  • Strengthening leadership capacity at pace
  • Undertaking a complex review of all-age commissioning, ensuring alignment with wider organisational priorities and long-term sustainability

This required support beyond a traditional recruitment model, particularly given the complexity of operating across two councils.

Why Moxie People

Moxie People was engaged through a Statement of Work consultancy model, reflecting the need for a flexible, delivery-focused partnership.

“We were looking for a partner who understood our story, the Welsh public sector context, could operate at pace, and bring both recruitment expertise and strategic insight rather than just a transactional service.”

Stephen Vickers, Chief Executive - Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

I would certainly be happy to recommend James and Moxie People. They have been a trusted and effective partner in helping us address both leadership capacity and system-level challenge. This is the start of a new partnership, and it’s one we’re excited about.
Stephen Vickers - Chief Executive, Torfaen & Blaenau Gwent Councils

Our approach
Rather than running a purely transactional recruitment process, Moxie People invested time in understanding the organisation, the wider system in which the service operates and the leadership qualities required to succeed in the role.

A key element of the approach was the use of informal conversations with prospective candidates ahead of application. This allowed misconceptions around working in Wales, Welsh language requirements and travel to be addressed early, and enabled candidates to make informed decisions before entering the formal process.

As a result, the opportunity reached a broader, more credible and better‑informed field of senior leaders than the Council had previously been able to attract.

The appointment was successful and restored confidence - as a result, we have continued to work with Moxie People on further senior appointments, including the recruitment of our Head of Streetcare.
Paul Mee - Chief Executive, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

The outcome
The process resulted in the successful appointment of Mariam Haque as Director of Education & Inclusion.

Mariam has quickly become a stabilising presence within the organisation, integrating effectively with the Senior Leadership Team and bringing a calm, experienced and outward‑looking perspective. She has made early progress in strengthening her senior management structure, introducing new thinking and increasing corporate engagement across the service.

Following the success of this appointment, Moxie People have since become a regular recruitment partner to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. This has included supporting further senior appointments, most notably the successful recruitment of a Head of Streetcare, a highly visible and operationally critical role for the authority.

I would have no hesitation in recommending James and Moxie People to other local authority leaders seeking support with senior appointments.”


Paul Mee - Chief Executive

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

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