Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Recruitment Partner in the South West
Established in 1988, we have built a reputation as a trusted recruitment partner in the South West region. Our team combines over three decades of local market expertise with a commitment to ethical practices, evidenced by our B Corp certification. We specialise in connecting businesses with high-quality candidates across diverse sectors, including Accountancy, Legal, IT, and Executive roles. Our approach prioritises understanding both client needs and candidate aspirations, ensuring cultural and professional alignment. With a 3:1 interview-to-hire ratio and over 350 five-star reviews, we deliver efficient, personalised recruitment solutions. Our sister company, CA Tech Talent, launched in 2022, focuses on technical and IT roles, further expanding our regional impact. We maintain strong relationships with local suppliers and clients, reinforcing our dedication to fostering regional economic growth.
Services
Permanent Recruitment
Temporary Staffing
Contract Solutions
Executive Search
Tech Recruitment
HR Consultancy
Career Advice
DBS Checks
Market Analysis
Salary Benchmarking
Served areas
- Devon, Cornwall, Somerset
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in South West recruitment.
- Our B Corp certification reflects our ethical business practices.
- We offer a 3:1 interview-to-hire ratio for efficient placements.
- Our team understands local market needs in Devon and Cornwall.
- We provide pre-vetted candidates with two screening interviews.
Associations and certifications
- B Corp
- Investor in People
What people say
Proactive and reliable
Brilliant local understanding
Seamless job search
Top-quality candidates
Valued client relationship
Services
Permanent Recruitment
We specialise in permanent placements, managing the full recruitment lifecycle from candidate screening to final selection. Our process ensures cultural fit and skill alignment for long-term success. Clients benefit from our deep regional network and rigorous vetting procedures.
Temporary Support
Our temporary staffing solutions provide rapid deployment of qualified professionals to cover short-term needs. We maintain a database of pre-vetted candidates ready to integrate seamlessly into client operations within hours.
Contract Solutions
We connect businesses with skilled contractors for project-based work, both inside and outside IR35. Our expertise ensures compliance while providing flexibility for evolving business requirements across the South West region.
Executive Search
Specialising in senior and C-suite appointments, we identify strategic leaders with proven track records. Our discreet approach combines industry knowledge with extensive networks to secure executives who drive organisational growth and innovation.
Tech Recruitment
Through our sister brand CA Tech Talent, we source technical experts in software development, engineering, and IT infrastructure. Our specialists use advanced tools to find candidates with cutting-edge skills for future-proof technology teams.
People
Joanne Caine
Managing Director
With over 25 years in recruitment, Jo leads Cathedral Appointments alongside Clodagh Murphy. A Fellow of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, she specialises in regional employment dynamics and business growth strategies.
Clodagh Murphy
Director
An experienced tech sector leader with 30+ years in IT and business management. Clodagh joined in 2021, bringing expertise in scaling technology businesses, having previously doubled turnover at Eclipse Internet as Managing Director.
Matt Wicks
Recruitment Manager
With 20+ years in recruitment, Matt specialises in accounting, finance, and public sector roles. He has extensive experience building teams for FTSE 250 companies and managing both interim and permanent recruitment divisions.
Questions
What sectors do you specialise in?
We work across Accountancy, Legal, IT, Engineering, Executive roles, Manufacturing, and more across the South West region.
How quickly can you fill temporary roles?
We typically secure temporary staff within 48 hours, with pre-vetted candidates ready for immediate deployment.
Are you a local recruitment agency?
Yes, we're based in Exeter and specialise in connecting South West businesses with regional talent across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.
What makes you different from other agencies?
Our B Corp certification, 3:1 interview-to-hire ratio, and deep local market knowledge ensure ethical, efficient placements tailored to specific business needs.
Do you offer executive search services?
Yes, we specialise in senior leadership appointments including C-suite roles and fractional executives across various industries.
Reviews (21)
Sophie Kunz
Jun 17, 2022
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Being recruited through Cathedral Appointments was very beneficial for me. Sophia was excellent at communicating with me throughout the recruitment process and has regularly checked in with me since starting my new role. I really appreciated the effort Sophia went to before my interviews in supporting and preparing me. I believe CA go above and beyond to ensure they find the right candidate for their clients.
James Tout
Jun 13, 2022
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I recently had the pleasure of dealing with Joanne Howell who helped me look for a financial planning role. Although I ended up accepting an offer secured independently, Jo was so helpful in putting me forward to employers and giving advice on how to tailor my CV and approach interviews. From our first meeting, Jo was super friendly, responsive and proactive and I'd strongly recommend anyone looking for a financial services role to get in touch with her and the wider team at Cathedral Appointments.
David James
Jun 10, 2022
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Joanne Howell is the very best in the business. I have been lucky enough to deal with Jo on a number of occasions and each time Jo has worked hard to help me find opportunities to further my career. I strongly recommend that anyone seeking a new challenge or a chance to further their career deals with Cathedral Appointments.
Juliet Harvey
May 02, 2022
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I would just personally like to say a big thank you to Cathedral Appointments and especially to Christie for being so efficient and helpful. Christie has been great throughout this whole process, she even met with me the day before my first interview. The whole process has been really smooth and enjoyable. I would 100% recommend this agency to anyone looking for a new job!
Rachel Mills
Apr 23, 2022
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I've worked with Cathedral Appointments twice as a candidate. They are absolutely lovely and really have your best interests in mind. They put you forward for opportunities they genuinely believe you'd personally be a good fit for and work with you throughout the process. I've dealt with both Jo and Dani and they've been completely lovely and really efficient.
Rosie Martin-Barton
Apr 22, 2022
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Thank you very much to Cathedral Appointments - and Sophia in particular - for your support, kindness and guidance in finding me my new job role. Sophia guided me through every step of the way, helped me through my interview and has been on hand for anything I needed advice with. I am really grateful and would highly recommend Cathedral Appointments for a friendly, professional and all round excellent service.
Nlm Nlm
Mar 12, 2022
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I am happy to say that my experience with Cathedral Appointments has been a very positive and efficient service. Dani you were interested in finding out about what I could offer the employer as a whole person rather than just concentrating on my qualifications. You personally recognised that I would be a match for the prospective employer as well as the employer being a perfect match for myself. I appreciate all the time that you gave to me during the recruitment process especially as you were willing to take calls outside of office hours. You are clearly dedicated to your job and I felt you would do the best for me.
Charlotte C.
Feb 17, 2022
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Sophia was brilliant; within an hour or so of submitting an application online I received a call and we went from there. Sophia helped me to find a job very quickly in a new firm that ticked all the boxes I was looking for and I am extremely grateful. Cathedral Appointments and Sophia's service has been great; nothing too big or too small. I have felt listened to and my goals/plans acknowledged so off the back of that, I have felt supported throughout the whole process. I would definitely recommend Cathedral Appointments if you could do with a little help finding a role that's a better fit.
Ellen Henley
Feb 06, 2022
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The service and support I received at Cathedral appointments was exceptional. I had a phone call with Dani who really listened to what I wanted out of a new opportunity and therefore I am now in a job that is well suited to me and that I am really happy in! The support I received is so reassuring and helpful in what can be a really stressful time. I would recommend Cathedral Appointments to any friends or family without a doubt.
Tzexon Pasolari
Feb 01, 2022
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I would highly recommend (as I have already done so to friends) to get in touch with Cathedral Appointment if you are looking for your new career. A variety of quality jobs with a combination of excellent service made me add a shortcut of CA in my browser. Joanne Howell, the person who I worked with during my job search, is a lovely personality and has great people's skills with an ability to match you with the job that suits you best. Jo was very keen on learning about me, my needs, and my long-term ambition. Moreover, she was helping me with resources and advice for my interviews, which in my opinion, there is nothing more to ask for. I am sure that all the members of the team are equally talented. Reach them out, you got nothing to lose.
KulahTV
Jan 27, 2022
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The guys at Cathedral Appointments have really got something special within them to do right by candidates that they come across. Joanne Howell, not only is a superstar character but has determination to ensure the right role is for the right candidate. I moved from London to Devon without knowing what I'd be doing next until Jo got in touch and the rest is history. I start my new role in early Feb and the constant communication and feedback from Jo has made it so easy for me to get into my new role!
Andrew Ellis-Grace
Jan 27, 2022
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I found Cathedral Appointments to be very efficient and professional. Jo Howell was very supportive and was able to help me in securing a new role with my first interview. After 33 years with the same company Jo was able to guide me through the process in order for a successful outcome. Thankyou
Ryan Griggs
Jan 26, 2022
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Jo called me with a new and exciting opportunity that she knew I would be a fit for. She was of course right and I am now sat in the perfect job. Jo was there throughout the interview process with advice and guidance and always at the end of the phone for me. I can't thank her enough.
Amber Jefferson
Jan 25, 2022
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Amazing! That's one word that sums it all up for me. Joanne was superb from start to finish with a very personal approach. definitely recommend Cathedral Appointments to anybody serious about looking for work. Thank you!
Sarah Hamilton
Nov 29, 2021
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Dani has been absolutely amazing, helping me land a new job. She has been so easy to chat with and instantly calmed any nerves I had about leaving my current stable job for a new venture. Her communication has been excellent and she is forever chasing me, keeping me up to date as soon as she has any information. All in all it has been a really pleasant process and I couldn't have got here without Dani and her obvious passion for her job. Thank you so much
M. Rees
Aug 30, 2021
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I originally used Cathedral Appointments several years ago following a disastrous experience of another recruitment agency. I spoke with Sophia Damshenas and she was brilliant from the start. She put me at ease and made me feel like I was being listened to. Unlike other agencies, she did not push any vacancy on to me, she took onboard what I was looking for plus my experience and was able to place me within a national law firm.
When I decided to move on from there, Sophia was the first person I contacted and she managed to help me land a role at a local prestigious firm and I have never been happier - thank you Sophia! I would highly recommend Sophia and the team at Cathedral Appointments!
When I decided to move on from there, Sophia was the first person I contacted and she managed to help me land a role at a local prestigious firm and I have never been happier - thank you Sophia! I would highly recommend Sophia and the team at Cathedral Appointments!
Nicky Jackson
Aug 21, 2021
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Cathedral Appointments has recently helped me to secure a new legal role. Sophia was very professional, friendly and understood the types of roles that I was interested in, and which matched my skills. Sophia made sure that I was prepared for the interview especially as it was my first interview over zoom. Sophia was very friendly and understanding and kept me informed at all stages. I would highly recommend others to use them.
Lakie
Aug 17, 2021
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The team at Cathedral Appointments are great! They are very professional and will guide you through the entire recruitment process. Andrei was great at keeping me up to date and also taking me through the job spec and interview process and also following up after my interviews and after I got my new job. If you are looking for people who care about you and want you to do well. Then these are the guys you need to speak to!
Toby Sykes
Jul 25, 2021
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Joanne at Cathedral Appointments was absolutely brilliant. I was new to job searching having just graduated from Uni, and she was so helpful and supportive. She found me a job very quickly and I look forward to starting it in a few weeks! Thanks again Jo!
Alexandra Stephen
Jul 10, 2021
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Really pleased with my experience using Cathedral Appointments. Sophia was regularly in touch with me and provided positive updates throughout the application process - great as I was especially nervous having not done a successful interview for a little while! She was really personable and helped with all queries I raised, even working around my routine and scheduling in call time around lunch hours, all whilst still being responsive via email when needed.
When I did get a job offer, she was so pleased to pass on the good news that she even took time out of her weekend to send on the feedback. Much more positive than previous experiences I have had with other recruiters - really approachable, friendly and professional and I am super happy in my new role!
When I did get a job offer, she was so pleased to pass on the good news that she even took time out of her weekend to send on the feedback. Much more positive than previous experiences I have had with other recruiters - really approachable, friendly and professional and I am super happy in my new role!
Matthew Clements
Nov 22, 2019
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A very fast and efficient recruitment company it took only 3 days from applying for a job though them I was offered the position. I had a the support from Andrei from the minuet I applied to a follow up call after my fist day. I would be more than happy to recommend