What we lack in size, we make up for with bags of energy and the determination to set ourselves apart from your average recruiters.
We know that it’s easy to say that we’re different and, let’s be honest, that’s what everyone says! So, how can we prove it? Well, we actually care about our candidates and clients. And we have over 150 five-star Google Reviews to prove it!
Grace is more than just ‘recruitment’. We invest time and effort into each placement to make sure we find the best person for the role that’s available. It’s not a numbers game to us: we don’t just fire loads of random CVs over to our clients and hope for the best.
We specialise in recruiting for HR and business support roles. It allows us to focus our efforts on one industry and continue building strong client relationships. Having recruited for numerous HR roles over the last 20 years, we have an in-depth understanding of what hiring managers are looking for when recruiting for a human resources position. Being in the recruitment business means that we’ve gained great insight into people processes and can advise on best practices.
Grace Personnel was founded in 1999 by experienced recruiter, Nicola Dandridge, with the aim of providing a superior recruitment service with integrity and respect for clients and candidates alike.
The way we work sets us apart from other recruiters and our longstanding relationships with clients says it all. We’ve worked with many of our clients for well over 10 years, and a couple we’ve worked with for almost 20!
In 2016, Nicola decided to sell the business, but she didn’t want it to be bought out by one of those high street recruiters. Instead, Grace was sold to venture capitalists with Lauren Hopkins, who’d been working as the Business Manager already, promoted to Managing Director.
This was a huge learning curve for Lauren, but she’s ridden that wave, steered the business through a global pandemic and come out the other side with a growing team.
Grace continues to evolve but one thing that never changes is our outstanding dedication to customer service.
We love getting involved in our local community and supporting charities. In the past year, we’ve provided volunteers to man the ADS charity shop, donated to The Brett Foundation who help those in poverty in Maidenhead, and supported a pop-up shop in The Chalfonts that was collecting donations for Ukrainians who’ve fled the conflict and are now living locally.
We’re working our butts off to change the perception of recruitment agencies, and the whole industry, from money grabbers to people who genuinely care and want to provide people with opportunities.
There’s no façade. We believe the best way to build relationships with people is to be genuine and authentic.
And we encourage you to be your authentic self too.
Whether you’re coming back from a career break, a working parent or perhaps looking to take a leap in a totally different direction, we don’t judge. We want to help to get where you want to go.
There are so many fake promises in the industry but not here. We never promise anything we can’t deliver. And we’ll be honest – if we think you’re doing the wrong thing, we’ll tell you.
We see everyone we outsource work to as part of the team. We hope it goes both ways – we’re not just a supplier of people and jobs – we’re an extension of your business too.
We care about our local community and the people in it. We’re invested in local business growth and are proud to champion other businesses from the Thames Valley area.
There’s no façade. We believe the best way to build relationships with people is to be genuine and authentic.
And we encourage you to be your authentic self too.
Whether you’re coming back from a career break, a working parent or perhaps looking to take a leap in a totally different direction, we don’t judge. We want to help to get where you want to go.
There are so many fake promises in the industry but not here. We never promise anything we can’t deliver. And we’ll be honest – if we think you’re doing the wrong thing, we’ll tell you.
We see everyone we outsource work to as part of the team. We hope it goes both ways – we’re not just a supplier of people and jobs – we’re an extension of your business too.
We care about our local community and the people in it. We’re invested in local business growth and are proud to champion other businesses from the Thames Valley area.
A coffee snob but not ashamed to admit it, Lauren is the Managing Director at Grace. She’s always planning her next far-flung adventure abroad. When she’s not at work she’s likely trying out a new hotspot (she’s recently moved to London), listening to a podcast, or at a barre or hot Pilates class.
She is passionate about supporting other women and celebrating their successes. Lauren relishes being the motivating force behind the team – she’s always cheering them on either from the side line or on hand to celebrate their wins, both personally and professionally.
Lauren started her journey with Grace as a fresh–faced graduate in 2012 and after working as a consultant for three years, stepped up to become business manager overseeing all operational aspects before taking on the role as managing director in 2016.
At under 5ft tall, Hollie’s our pocket rocket. She’s a snackaholic and is usually a bar of chocolate and packet of crisps down by 10am – no judgement here. Hollie is messy beyond belief and always has 1000 tabs open on her browser. ‘Organised chaos’, apparently!
Hollie has a ‘half glass full’ approach to life and does everything with a smile – even after the morning school run. She has an infectious laugh that will catch on a mile away. And her caring nature makes her ideal for building long–lasting relationships with her permanent desk.
When you look up the definition of team player, you’ll see Justine Sargeant. The longest standing member with over 10 years of service, Justine has been a fundamental part of Grace’s journey.
She’s service-led through and through, which is evident from the numbers of candidates who come back to her time and time again. She is the epitome of Grace, always willing to go the extra mile for our candidates and lend an ear.
Never without her red lippie or a leopard print item, her summer wouldn’t be complete without a road trip to a campsite in Cornwall for the sea air and sand between her toes. Our queen of Temps and resident bargain hunter.
When she’s not working, you can find Lynda down at her allotment, taking her rescue dog, Zara, for walks on the beach (she lives on the coast) or spending the weekend with her beloved grandchildren.
With Grace since 2016, she acts as Lauren’s right arm overseeing the finances of the business. Conscientious, loyal, and with a great work ethic, she never visits the office without gifts for everyone and is a real mother hen figure. Lynda’s a credit control machine but really a softie at heart.
Looking to work with us or got a burning question? We’d love to hear from you!