ML Select received an SOS from a client, who was facing a number of tribunal claims for unfair dismissal, including one for sex discrimination and one for racial harassment. We assisted the client's defence and then tackled the root cause, which required a revision of their contract of employment, disciplinary and grievance procedures, a comprehensive staff handbook and education of line management in effective employee relations. The client is now operating best personnel practice and has not experienced any more problems with Tribunal claims.

A family-owned company, with a turnover in excess of £50m, had suffered a reduction in profitability. To turn the group's fortunes around, it became apparent that there was a need for a clear direction, to eliminate excess capacity, improve productivity and sharpen innovation to achieve in-roads into new markets. We assisted in the appointment of a new CEO and at the same time, were asked to advise on team building at board level so the individuals could cope with the changes and improved performance demanded of them. We also recommended revising the organisational structure and prepared accountability-based job descriptions. Following a successful appointment, ML Select was asked to assume the role of 'personal mentor' to the CEO, so that he could talk through specific concerns, problems and solutions and receive impartial and objective advice.

A major shipping agency contacted ML Select to conduct an organisational review of the firm with a particular focus on improving communications, team morale and performance management. A number of discussion groups were held so that we could understand the barriers to team performance. This review culminated in an action-based report to the board, with recommendations as to how to improve the effectiveness of communications, performance management and morale. We then designed two new appraisal schemes - self appraisal for the directors and a traditional top-down appraisal scheme. To complete the assignment, we devised a programme to train management on how to conduct successful appraisals.

A leading firm of solicitors contacted ML Select to appoint a full-time marketing director. A comprehensive search and selection process was employed, from agreement of job description, person specification and advertisement, to reporting on a shortlist of the most suitable candidates. Part of the process included preparing a Personal Profile Analysis (PPA) for each individual. This made the selection procedures systematic and objective. The same techniques were also employed in other strategic areas, including staff appraisals and team-building programmes.

A substantial business in N E England required a Managing Director for one of its divisions, and ML Select was engaged to assist with the design of the job description, person specification and background notes. Our advertisement in the Sunday Times attracted more than 80 applications. Within 6 weeks, we had analysed the responses, interviewed an initial shortlist, conducted the interviews, and guided the client through to a successful appointment.

A London-based film company contacted us with an urgent necessity to replace their Finance Director. Specifications were agreed at a meeting between their MD and ML Select, and within 10 days the client interviewed 5 pre-selected candidates from our database. The initial interviews were held at our office and 2 were short-listed and seen again at the client's premises. Immediately after the client made their final selection, we checked references, prepared the written offer and agreed the starting date.