Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Public services must reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. That’s more than just a phrase - it’s a call to action. For us, it underscores the urgent need to improve diversity and inclusion across public and not-for-profit leadership. True progress toward equality and a fairer society can only happen when those in leadership genuinely represent the people they lead. Representation isn't just symbolic - it's essential to building systems that work for everyone.

At the heart of our work is a belief that diversity and inclusion are not just values - they are vital to progress, innovation, and fairness. We are committed to creating and supporting environments where people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences feel respected, heard and empowered to thrive. We actively seek out and champion diverse voices, understanding that representation at all levels leads to stronger, more equitable outcomes. Our recruitment practices are designed to challenge bias, remove barriers, and open opportunities for everyone - regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or belief. Inclusion is not a one-off initiative; it’s an ongoing commitment embedded in how we think, work, and lead.

We also recognise that true equity involves not just access, but belonging - and we work alongside our clients and partners to build inclusive cultures where all individuals can contribute fully, lead authentically, and feel valued for who they are.

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confidence Scheme - creating a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people. We are also advocates of the Great Place to Work for Veterans Scheme which encourages and supports veterans in joining the Civil Service. This scheme aims to leverage the skills and experience of veterans and reservists, recognising their contributions to the armed forces and their potential within the Civil Service.

Smiling woman with curly black hair, wearing a dark blazer and light shirt, in an office setting.

Social Purpose

At Archer Mac, we believe recruitment should do more than fill roles - it should create lasting value for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Our commitment to social value is at the heart of how we operate.

1. Inclusive Employment

We actively promote inclusive hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunities for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. We work closely with clients to champion diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace and we support the Disability Confidence and Great Place to Work for Veterans Schemes.

2. Skills and Development

We support lifelong learning by offering CV workshops, interview coaching and career guidance - especially to young people, long-term unemployed individuals, maternity/paternity leave returners and individuals with a disability.

3. Local Economic Growth

We prioritise local hiring to strengthen local economies. Wherever possible, we collaborate with suppliers and partners who share our social value principles and we work closely with the civil service ‘Places for Growth’ agenda aimed to reduce the imbalances, primarily economic, between areas and social groups across the United Kingdom.

4. Environmental Responsibility

Though not a carbon-intensive business, we take steps to reduce our footprint - from remote-first operations to sustainable digital processes and by promoting green job sectors.

5. Community Engagement

We partner with charities, educational institutions and community groups to create outreach initiatives that build confidence, improve employability and support those facing employment barriers. 

6. Donations

For every candidate we place in a role, we give a £10 donation to Shelter - the UK’s largest domestic abuse organisation. On any given day Shelter’s services support thousands of women and their children, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives - free from fear.

Testimonials

  • Stephanie, I just wanted to record how brilliant you have been throughout this whole campaign! You have been so supportive, encouraging and thoughtful, ensuring that I am kept informed at regular intervals – and ensuring that I know what is going on and what to expect. You have been so kind and considerate and your use of Whatsapp and email and every other method to keep me in the picture was just so appreciated when I was in South America and not quite knowing what time it was! Indeed you managing the 5-6 hours’ time difference was a huge help to me. It really was the care you gave me that meant so much, as well as ensuring I knew what to expect and to do - during things like the fireside chats, Staff Engagement Exercise and the interview itself. Your message to me over Easter enabled me to relax and enjoy my trip to Arran, especially appreciated when I knew you too were away in Ireland with your children for the Easter break. I am so grateful for all you have done; I couldn’t have possibly succeeded in securing the role without your help – right from the outset when we discussed how I should best approach the Suitability Statement! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    Melinda Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, OFGEM

  • “Steph is incredibly professional and collaborative in her approach to executive search for the Government Finance Function. She is knowledgeable of Civil Service recruitment processes and builds credibility with senior stakeholders effectively. She understands the intricate processes of the civil service and has successfully appointed some of our most impressive hires.”

    Ria Bush, Senior HRBP, Government Finance Function

  • “I was privileged to meet Ms Robinson while looking for a senior position in the UK. She provided invaluable advice on my resume and assisted me during the recruitment process. Her help and advice have been tremendous and helped me to focus on the critical element of the job interview, which was successful. I want to express my deep gratitude to Ms Robinson for her guidance and assistance during the process. Her professionalism and proactive attitude contributed to the success of my interview.”

    Andrea Manfrin, Deputy Director of Clinical Investigations and Trials, MHRA

  • "Since receiving the opportunity to interview with the NAO, I received a recruiter who was truly in my corner to help me obtain this great opportunity. I found Stephanie to be: incredibly patient with answering my many questions (many 2 min phone calls would go 20 but you wouldn’t have known with Steph's understanding), great motivator in managing nerves for the recruitment process which was very challenging and great at reflecting post the process when I was being overly critical of myself. Receiving the news from her that I got an offer from the NAO was a highlight of the year (even my career) and I have to credit her massively for making this moment. Even now after receiving and accepting the offer after more than 5 months, she even made the effort to check in (whilst away on a much-needed break) which was really appreciated. I would highly recommend Stephanie to be their recruiter in getting the role of their interest. Thanks again Steph."

    Ashwin Rajakumar, Senior Auditor, NAO

  • “As a successful candidate working with Stephanie, I found her great support from the initial application discussions through to starting the role and all points in between! She was enthusiastic, insightful and well-informed about her client and the job role, and she is friendly, professional, encouraging and generous with her time. She ensured I was well prepared for the process. She is clearly someone with a lot of passion for her industry and the public sector!”


    Andrew Reeve, Strategic Finance Lead, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils

  • “Steph was fantastic to work with for a large and complex recruitment campaign across two separate financial reporting teams at Treasury. Her knowledge of Civil Service processes and professional approach was a huge factor in helping us attract a range of excellent candidates in roles that were historically difficult to recruit to. In particular, Steph struck a really impressive balance between the needs of the organisation and those of the candidates, from whom she received some excellent feedback. I’d have no hesitation of working with Steph again.”

    Matt Rowe, Head of Whole Government Accounts, HM Treasury

  • Steph led us through the recruitment process with ease, from an initial discussion all the way to offer. Steph offered advice and did a brilliant job of the candidate pack, seeking out suitable candidates, shortlisting and arranging interview schedules. It was Steph’s knowledge and advice that I valued the most through the process and will be asking her to help us with future recruitment.     

    Sarah Forster, Finance Director, Sport England 

  • “Steph did a great job leading our recruitment campaign for a number of senior finance roles within a newly formed team. I was impressed with how she thought outside the box to give us a selection of good candidates from a range of different sectors, and her recommendations and appraisals showed a strong understanding of a complex brief. She was a great communicator throughout and a pleasure to work with.

    James Deane, Director of Business, Finance and Property, House of Commons