Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Recruitment Partner in the South West
Established in 1988, we have dedicated 37 years to transforming recruitment in the South West. Our B Corp certification reflects our commitment to ethical practices, serving both candidates and employers. We specialise in permanent, temporary, and contract recruitment, alongside executive search and tech-focused placements through our sister brand CA Tech Talent. Our team of experts prioritises understanding client needs and candidate aspirations to ensure precise matches. With over 350 five-star reviews, we maintain a reputation for quality and reliability. Our regional-first approach supports local businesses while maintaining a database of 25,000+ candidates.We offer tailored career advice, interview preparation, and market insights to enhance employability. Our recruitment process includes rigorous candidate screening, with two interviews conducted before CV submission. We serve diverse sectors including finance, legal, IT, engineering, and healthcare. Our 24/7 accessibility ensures timely support for urgent hiring needs. Our leadership team combines decades of industry experience with innovative recruitment strategies. We actively contribute to regional economic growth by retaining top talent within the South West. Our achievements include multiple awards and recognition for excellence in recruitment standards.
Services
Permanent Recruitment
Temporary Support
Contract Solutions
Executive Search
Tech Recruitment
Candidate Support
Employer Solutions
Career Advice
Interview Preparation
Market Insights
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 37 years of recruitment expertise in the South West market
- B Corp certified for ethical business practices
- 5-star rated recruitment service with 350+ reviews
- Specialists in executive and tech recruitment through dedicated teams
- 24/7 candidate screening and CV vetting process
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
What people say
Professional and efficient
Brilliant local market understanding
Proactive and reliable
Seamless job search process
Top-quality candidates
Services
Permanent Recruitment
We specialise in permanent recruitment solutions, matching skilled professionals with businesses across the South West. Our rigorous screening process includes two interviews per candidate to ensure quality. With 31 days average placement time, we deliver precise role and culture matches for long-term success. Our sector expertise spans finance, legal, IT, engineering, and healthcare.
Temporary Support
Our temporary recruitment service provides reliable staff within 48 hours. We maintain a database of 25,000+ pre-vetted candidates for immediate deployment. This solution suits businesses requiring short-term cover while maintaining operational continuity. Our 2-day average placement time ensures minimal disruption to client operations.
Executive Search
We specialise in senior leadership appointments, including C-suite and fractional executive roles. Our discreet search process targets high-impact candidates with strategic capabilities. With 37 years' experience, we understand evolving leadership requirements and deliver tailored solutions for complex organisational needs across the South West region.
Tech Recruitment
Through our sister brand CA Tech Talent, we provide specialist technology recruitment services. Our expertise covers engineering, software development, and IT infrastructure roles. We utilise advanced search tools to identify candidates with cutting-edge technical skills, supporting businesses in futureproofing their technology capabilities across the South West.
Career Advice
We offer comprehensive career guidance to candidates seeking employment opportunities. Our services include interview preparation using the STAR method, CV optimisation, and market insights. With 35 years' experience, our consultants provide tailored advice to enhance employability and help candidates secure roles aligned with their career aspirations in the South West.
People
Joanne Caine
Managing Director
With over 25 years at Cathedral Appointments, Joanne leads the business alongside Clodagh Murphy. A Fellow of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, she brings extensive regional employment expertise and previously served on Exeter Chamber's board.
Clodagh Murphy
Director
Clodagh joined in 2021 with 30+ years' technology sector experience. As former Managing Director of Eclipse Internet, she doubled turnover from 20m to 40m. She holds an MBA and BSc in Business & IT, bringing strategic leadership to the team.
Matt Wicks
Recruitment Manager
Matt has over 20 years' recruitment experience, specialising in Accounting, Finance, and HR sectors. With FTSE 250 background, he manages both interim and permanent divisions, leveraging extensive team development expertise to deliver tailored recruitment solutions.
Questions
What recruitment services do you offer?
We provide permanent, temporary, and contract recruitment solutions across the South West. Specialisms include executive search, tech recruitment through CA Tech Talent, and sector-specific staffing in finance, legal, IT, and engineering.
How long have you operated in the South West?
We've served the South West since 1988, building 37 years' expertise in connecting local businesses with quality candidates across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Bristol.
Do you specialise in specific industries?
We work across multiple sectors including finance, legal, IT, engineering, healthcare, and technology. Our sister brand CA Tech Talent focuses specifically on technical and IT roles in the region.
How do you ensure quality candidates?
All candidates undergo two screening interviews before CV submission. We maintain a 3:1 interview rate, meaning three first interviews typically secure the perfect candidate for our clients.
What makes you different from other agencies?
As B Corp certified specialists, we combine 37 years' local market knowledge with rigorous candidate vetting. Our 350+ five-star reviews and 25,000+ candidate database demonstrate our commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
Reviews (6)
Andrew Ellis-Grace
Jan 27, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
I found Cathedral Appointments to be very efficient and professional. Jo Howell was very supportive and was able to help me in securing a new role with my first interview. After 33 years with the same company Jo was able to guide me through the process in order for a successful outcome. Thankyou
I found Cathedral Appointments to be very efficient and professional. Jo Howell was very supportive and was able to help me in securing a new role with my first interview. After 33 years with the same company Jo was able to guide me through the process in order for a successful outcome. Thankyou
KulahTV
Jan 27, 2022
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The guys at Cathedral Appointments have really got something special within them to do right by candidates that they come across.
Joanne Howell, not only is a superstar character but has determination to ensure the right role is for the right candidate. I moved from London to Devon without knowing what I'd be doing next until Jo got in touch and the rest is history. I start my new role in early Feb and the constant communication and feedback from Jo has made it so easy for me to get into my new role!
Joanne Howell, not only is a superstar character but has determination to ensure the right role is for the right candidate. I moved from London to Devon without knowing what I'd be doing next until Jo got in touch and the rest is history. I start my new role in early Feb and the constant communication and feedback from Jo has made it so easy for me to get into my new role!
Ryan Griggs
Jan 26, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Jo called me with a new and exciting opportunity that she knew I would be a fit for. She was of course right and I am now sat in the perfect job. Jo was there throughout the interview process with advice and guidance and always at the end of the phone for me. I can't thank her enough.
Jo called me with a new and exciting opportunity that she knew I would be a fit for. She was of course right and I am now sat in the perfect job. Jo was there throughout the interview process with advice and guidance and always at the end of the phone for me. I can't thank her enough.
Amber Jefferson
Jan 25, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Amazing!! That's one word that sums it all up for me. Joanne was superb from start to finish with a very personal approach.. definitely recommend Cathedral Appointments to anybody serious about looking for work. Thank you!!
Amazing!! That's one word that sums it all up for me. Joanne was superb from start to finish with a very personal approach.. definitely recommend Cathedral Appointments to anybody serious about looking for work. Thank you!!
Sarah Hamilton
Nov 29, 2021
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Dani has been absolutely amazing, helping me land a new job. She has been so easy to chat with and instantly calmed any nerves I had about leaving my current stable job for a new venture. Her communication has been excellent and she is forever chasing me, keeping me up to date as soon as she has any information. All in all it has been a really pleasant process and I couldnt have got here without Dani and her obvious passion for her job. Thank you so much
M. Rees
Aug 30, 2021
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I originally used Cathedral Appointments several years ago following a disastrous experience of another recruitment agency. I spoke with Sophia Damshenas and she was brilliant from the start. She put me at ease and made me feel like I was being listened to. Unlike other agencies, she did not push any vacancy on to me, she took onboard what I was looking for plus my experience and was able to place me within a national law firm. When I decided to move on from there, Sophia was the first person I contacted and she managed to help me land a role at a local prestigious firm and I have never been happier
