When Dravet Syndrome UK came to us, they were looking for someone special. Not just a capable candidate on paper, but a leader who could genuinely connect with families living with one of the most complex and challenging rare epilepsies. The brief was demanding. The purpose behind it was profound.

About Dravet Syndrome UK

Dravet Syndrome UK is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that typically emerges in the first year of life and brings with it a lifetime of significant challenges. The charity provides vital information, community, and advocacy for those navigating this difficult condition.

Finding the right Head of Family Services was not simply a matter of filling a vacancy. It was about equipping the organisation with a leader who could strengthen its connection to families, particularly those who had not yet found their way to the charity's services.

A role that demanded more than a strong CV

The brief was specific and deliberately so. The charity needed someone with the relationship-building skills to engage families who were often isolated, overwhelmed, or simply unaware of the support available to them. Alongside that, the successful candidate would need to lead and inspire a team, driving meaningful growth in the charity's reach and impact.

It is the kind of role that requires both warmth and strategic clarity. Our lead consultant understood from the outset that technical competence alone would not be enough.

A thorough and considered search

The role attracted significant interest, which speaks to both the strength of Dravet Syndrome UK's mission and the genuine appeal of a position with real purpose at its heart. A total of 159 candidates came forward.

From that field, our consultant conducted 17 initial calls to assess alignment with the role's specific requirements. That was followed by 41 full interviews, with 10 candidates ultimately progressing to the shortlist. Each stage of the process was careful, considered, and focused on identifying not just what candidates had done, but how they worked and who they were.

The client was clear about the kind of person they needed. We took that seriously at every step.

The standout candidate

What made this search particularly memorable was that the successful candidate emerged from the very first initial call. Our lead consultant recognised immediately the strength of her experience and how naturally she aligned with the organisation's needs.

That is not something we take for granted. It is the result of deep preparation, a thorough understanding of the brief, and the kind of instinct that comes from years of working in charity recruitment. When someone is the right fit, it shows.

Her combination of relationship-building capability and proven leadership set her apart throughout the entire process. She was not simply the strongest candidate on the day. She was the right person for Dravet Syndrome UK at this particular moment in its journey.

What her appointment means for the charity

Her appointment marks a genuinely important step forward. With the right Head of Family Services in post, Dravet Syndrome UK is better placed to reach families who need them most, to strengthen existing relationships, and to grow the charity's impact in a sustainable and meaningful way.

For families living with Dravet Syndrome, access to a knowledgeable, compassionate support network can make an enormous difference. Leadership that understands how to build and sustain those connections is not a nice-to-have. It is essential.

Why this kind of recruitment matters

At Charisma, we work exclusively in the charity and not-for-profit sector. That focus matters. It means we understand the nuance involved in roles like this one, where mission alignment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work with vulnerable communities are every bit as important as experience and qualifications.

We do not just search for candidates. We invest time in understanding what an organisation genuinely needs, and we bring that understanding to every conversation, every interview, and every shortlist we present.

The Dravet Syndrome UK appointment is a good example of what that looks like in practice: a thorough, values-led process that resulted in a confident, well-matched appointment that the charity could move forward with quickly.

Thinking about your next appointment?

If your charity is looking for exceptional leadership, we would love to hear from you. Whether your search is straightforward or genuinely complex, we bring the same care, rigour, and sector knowledge to every role we work on.

Get in touch with the Charisma team