Expertise and Approach

I am a Senior Partner at Green Park, specialising in executive search for senior executive and board appointments across the UK public sector. With nearly 30 years’ recruitment experience, I help organisations understand what they need from their next appointment, find people who can meet that challenge, and make informed decisions about whom to appoint.

I work across central government, arm’s-length bodies, regulation, defence, law enforcement, blue light services, and higher education. My assignments include Chief Executive, Chief People Officer, operations, technology, and finance leadership roles, alongside Chair and Non-Executive Director appointments. Over my career, I have recruited more than 800 senior civil servants, giving me a detailed understanding of leadership in public service and the demands of working under political and public scrutiny.

Making Sense of Complexity

My particular areas of expertise include complex senior appointments, inclusive executive search, leadership assessment, and understanding how people will operate within an organisation’s culture. I hold a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology. This background informs how I explore candidates’ capabilities, motivations, and leadership styles, including through bespoke assessment exercises that test their approach to realistic challenges.

Leadership and transformation are the golden threads running through my work: how someone will lead people, improve performance, and deliver the changes an organisation needs. I am particularly interested in how leaders balance immediate pressures with longer-term priorities, build effective teams, and understand the different experiences of people across their workforce. Above all, I enjoy working with people who want this country to be better.

Please get in touch if you are planning a senior appointment or considering your next executive or board role.

20years

of diverse talent mapping

55+

countries

70+

awards won

Testimonials

"My experience with Green Park can be summed up in three words; advocacy, integrity, transparency. In working with Jo Sweetland and her team, it was clear from the start that they went well beyond the skills needed for the role. Their exceptional support and thoughtful, intentional guidance throughout the journey, from initial interest to formal offer, set them apart."

Justin Ostrander

Director of Finance, USA at ISP

"Working with Paul Bullock starts off with a heavy interview, where he basically gains as much insight into your business as possible so he not only selects the correct group of people to interview, but also sells your business to make sure all parties understand the opportunities. Every time I work with Paul he has delivered." 

Jalil Rahman

Chief Commercial Officer, Orla Kiely

“Jo Sweetland and her team at Green Park were fantastic during the search and interview process. They provided excellent communication with deep attentiveness and walked me through the process providing keen insights along the way. I felt very supported to ensure a smooth, seamless and professional experience with Jo.” 

Zenia Minwalla

Regional Head of Property @International Schools Partnerships Ltd, USA

From start to finish, Juliet Hardingham and the Executive Search Team at Green Park were exceptional. Juliet took the time to understand the role and our organisation, delivering a strong, diverse shortlist for our Head of Government Relations and External Affairs. Her professionalism, insights, and clear communication confirmed we had chosen the right partner.

James Greenhill

Head of Global Executive Resourcing @Jacobs

David Sayers and the Private & Commercials team have for sure, been one of the best recruiting teams to work with throughout this process. The interviews were scheduled in quick succession, and I was kept in the loop throughout the hiring process. The feedback loop was smooth, and I never felt any hiccups in the process, despite there being an 8-hour time zone difference. Thank you for your support!

Uma Deepak

Senior Finance Business Partner @International Schools Partnership

We worked with Green Park to swiftly hire an interim Head of Operations. Simon Pickerell from the Executive Interim team was outstanding - he quickly understood our needs, delivered a strong and diverse shortlist over the festive period, and supported both us and the candidates throughout. Thanks to Simon, we’ve hired an experienced Head of Operations who’s a great cultural fit. Highly recommend Simon and Green Park.

Rhian Thompson

@Magic Breakfast

"Green Park's proposal had diversity at the heart, rather than just an add on - and this gave us confidence that in working with them we would be partnering with an organisation who held the same values as our own in this area."

Claire Burles

Group People Director | Stage Coach

"Jo Sweetland of Green Park is just the best. She absolutely IS Green Park. Hard working. Super smart and understands a client’s needs. Jo has deep market relationships and superb networks. She sets the benchmark for Search in the recruitment industry. I would never hesitate to recommend Jo Sweetland to anyone. A delight to work with BUT more importantly brings the best results."

Matthew Jeffery

Head of UKI Recruitment | EY

Send a message to James Greengrass

UploadAdd an attachment (Optional)

To find out about how we process your data, please read our privacy policy.

Submit