Employee case study:
Hayley Cox

What do you think it means when people return to a company, after taking a break?  

I strongly believe that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with returning to an organisation. People have stayed at Sellick Partnership for years and years, the retention is incredible, but the fact that people leave – sometimes to work in bigger organisations – and then come back isn’t highlighted enough.  

It’s for a reason: a very, very good reason.  

For me, it speaks volumes about the strength of the company’s culture and values – it should be seen as a positive reflection of the organisation’s environment. It’s about recognising where you thrive and being confident enough to come back to a place that truly aligns with your goals and values. It demonstrates that Sellick Partnership is a company that truly invests in its people.  

So, what made you come back to Sellick Partnership?  

What made me come back was the constant connection I maintained with the team, even while I was away. That spoke volumes about the values and culture here – it’s a place where you genuinely feel a sense of belonging.  

At Sellick Partnership, it’s different from any other recruitment agency I’ve ever worked in. It’s not the ‘dog eat dog’ environment where people are stepping over each other to get ahead. Instead, there’s a true team spirit, where everyone wants to lift each other up.  

In other organisations, it can sometimes feel like you’re battling with your colleagues as well as external competitors, but we’ve created a culture where you’re all working together towards shared success, and that’s something really special for me.   

What does this show to people interested in joining Sellick Partnership?  

This really shows that Sellick Partnership is an accommodating and supportive place to build your career, especially when it comes to aligning your work with your core values. Unlike some recruitment environments, where it can feel like a ‘do or die’ situation, Sellick Partnership understands that success in recruitment doesn’t have to come at the cost of unnecessary stress which can sometimes act as a hindrance to sales.  

The Senior Management Team instils a level of confidence in everyone, which actually enhances your ability to succeed in sales. It’s a supportive environment where your personal and professional growth are both priorities, and that makes all the difference. 

What values or principles of the company resonate most with you?  

The values that resonate most with me are Sellick Partnership's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the level of support that runs throughout the business. My involvement with the Diversity Champions has been amazing, especially because the diversity and inclusion training has educated me not just professionally, but personally as well. It’s helped me understand what I can bring to work and how to be more inclusive in everything I do. 

Another principle that stands out is the culture of support. Support truly breathes support here. People are always willing to help each other out – whether it's giving a task to someone or sharing candidates – without expecting anything in return because we know the favour will be repaid at some point.  

Everything is very fair, clear-cut, and rooted in genuine care for one another. The culture is so deeply embedded, and it fosters a work environment where everyone is empowered to do their job really well. You need a strong work ethic and a real investment in people, but when those values are shared from the top down, it creates a fantastic place to work. 

What challenges have you faced during your journey, and how did you overcome them? 

One of the biggest challenges I faced was re-joining Sellick Partnership just as the country went into lockdown. I worked solely from home for months, which was a huge adjustment, especially when you thrive on team interaction. It was tough but I focused on staying connected with my colleagues virtually and built strong relationships. 

To overcome this, I used the time during lockdown to carve out new markets and stay on top of both industry-led and economically-led trends. It was, and is, important for me to understand what was happening in the world and figure out how to use that to my advantage. 

Another key part of overcoming those challenges was keeping in touch with my candidates, even when the market was dry. That’s something I see as a real Sellick Partnership trait – we don’t just disappear when things get tough. It was important for people to know they had support at the other end of the phone, and maintaining those relationships helped me build trust and loyalty in the long run. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the company? 

My advice to anyone starting out at Sellick Partnership is to be a sponge. There are so many experienced people here who are more than willing to share their knowledge, and you should take advantage of that. Be open-minded and don’t feel like you need to know everything right away – every day is a learning opportunity. Listen to advice you’re given, because the way people approach recruitment here is unique, and there’s a lot of value in that.  

At the same time, don’t be afraid to share your own ideas – regardless of your level of experience. I’ve worked in recruitment for 18 years and you always need to know what’s going on! Some people come in with incredible insights, and that exchange of knowledge is what makes us stronger as a team. 

Also, the training here never stops. Even after 18 years in recruitment, I still find the back-to-basics training with Ray Wareing (Group Director and lead of training and development) is invaluable. If you’re not constantly learning and taking advice from all levels, you risk going stale – and that’s something I never want to happen.  

I love talking to everyone, from all teams and industries, because there’s always something new to learn. By staying curious, you do yourself and your career a huge service. 

How do you balance your professional growth with your personal life? 

I’ve found that working four days a week allows me to make time for my family without sacrificing my career. Time management is crucial – it's about keeping all the plates spinning, even when you're not physically there.  

I’m fortunate to have a Manager and a team where mutual loyalty and respect are at the core of everything we do. There’s a real understanding that it’s a two-way street, and that give and take is essential. Knowing I have that support and flexibility helps me stay focused and grow both personally and professionally.