James Crichton joins with 20 years of recruitment and talent consultancy experience, having previously worked for Hays plc as head of assessment and development for the UK. He has consulted with organisations across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, providing assessment solutions at all levels, from early start apprentices to senior board members.
James’ appointment coincides with the release of Omni’s Resourcing and Talent Planning Survey 2021, produced in partnership with the CIPD, which found that around two-thirds of organisations use some form of test, assessment or exercise in their selection process.
The data also highlighted that only 25% of organisations determine selection criteria and approach in advance to ensure it is directly related to performance on the job and only 30% train all interviewers on legal obligations and objective interview practice.
Aligned to the survey’s findings, Omni acknowledges that many businesses have an opportunity to improve their resourcing outcomes by developing their approach to assessment and selection in resourcing. Omni takes an inclusivity first approach to assessment solutions and works with organisations to ensure selection decisions have tangible positive impact around increased performance, better retention and ultimately reduced cost. To be best-placed to support organisations in this area, Omni has strategically enhanced its expertise in resourcing transformation with the addition of a head of assessment role.
Martin Wainman, managing director of Omni, said: “Today’s businesses need to retain and upskill their workforce and think creatively about the future of work and how to diversify talent. The winners will be those who are reshaping their strategies and thinking carefully about how best to assess talent to ensure they have the skills they need.
“The appointment of James as head of assessment is a critical appointment for Omni. He brings a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience and shares our ethos of developing close strategic partnerships with organisations. We’re incredibly grateful to have him on board to help both Omni and our clients effectively measure, secure and develop business-critical skills.”
James said: “Having crossed paths several times over the years, I have always been impressed by Omni’s work and approach to partnering with organisations. It’s fantastic to join my new colleagues in the resourcing transformation team and lead the assessment practice. I’ve been humbled by the expertise and culture that exists in Omni, and I’m thrilled to be able to play a part in building on the already excellent reputation and in developing our assessment offering.”
The news of James’ appointment follows the launch of Omni Search earlier this year, a new search consultancy service designed to help organisations find change leaders.
