Interview with Social Care Recruitment Specialist: Craig Mitchell

In this blog, you will learn:

• How Spencer Clarke Group helps to overcome recruitment challenges currently facing the social care sector.
• The advice this social care recruitment specialist would give to professionals entering the social care sector.
• Where the latest social care jobs are and how to apply for them. 

In our latest ‘Interview with a recruiter’ we’ve been talking to Senior Consultant, Craig Mitchell, whose expertise lies in social care recruitment. 

Craig uncovers how Spencer Clarke Group can support residential childcare providers with their recruitment needs and the advice he would give to someone pursuing a career within the social care sector. 

Craig, tell us about yourself

I joined Spencer Clarke Group as a Recruitment Consultant in the summer of 2025 and it’s been a great career move for me. In just a short time I can see that Spencer Clarke Group is a company where I’ll be able to make a real impact in the social care sector. 

How did you end up in the world of recruitment?

I began my career in recruitment by pure coincidence. I was handpicked by the directors of a recruitment company who I previously worked with as a teaching consultant. I was offered the opportunity to pursue a career in recruitment and I grabbed it with both hands. It was the best decision I could have made. 

What does your role entail at Spencer Clarke Group?

In the simplest terms my role is to find quality and passionate candidates for some of the best and most reputable residential childcare companies across the UK. Matching professionals with a job in which they will thrive is something I take great care in. 

It’s extremely rewarding to know that someone is making a positive impact within residential care and that I played a small part in helping that happen. 

Day to day I spend a lot of time on the phone, speaking to candidates and clients, getting to know them so I can deliver an effective service. 

Who do you work with?

I work with a number of large organisations with over 100 residential childcare homes to small start up providers who may only oversee a few homes. Whatever the size of the company, I take equal care in making sure that their needs are met and that suitable candidates are matched to their vacancies. 

Can you give us an insight into how your market works?

The social care sector is fast-paced and therefore recruitment processes must reflect this. It’s essential to make sure quality candidates are matched to residential childcare companies, but often staff are needed urgently and as a Recruitment Consultant, I must be able to help with this. 

Within social care, trust is crucial. Reputation is everything and when residential childcare homes feel that they can trust a recruitment agency, it makes a world of difference. 

What is the best thing about being a recruiter within the social care sector?

The best part about working in the social care sector is definitely being able to help someone rediscover their passion. I often find that this passion is reignited by matching them with a job where they will get great career satisfaction. 

Equally, it’s just as rewarding to support a client to find the right person for their role and witness the positive impact that this has on the function of their service. 

What are the current challenges facing the social care sector, specifically within children’s residential homes?

Staff retention is an ongoing challenge within the social care sector, particularly within residential care. High staff turnover means a lack of stability within the sector. 

A lack of investment within children’s residential care is often the root cause of staff retention issues, so it could be argued that financial pressures must be resolved before anything will change. 

How does Spencer Clarke Group help overcome these challenges?

We help with these challenges by providing a high quality recruitment process for permanent and temporary recruitment. We work alongside many outstanding candidates and companies in the social care sector and we make it our priority to thoroughly understand the needs of each of them. 

This ensures that we provide a personalised service for every one and play a conscious effort to ensure people will be happy within their role. 

What advice would you give to a professional looking for their first position within social care, specifically within a children’s residential home?

I think being passionate is the most important thing. It might sound like a cliché but when you love what you do, this is a great reflection on the work produced. 

The social care sector and children’s residential care can be fast paced so professionals must be committed to making a positive impact and adapting to change. 

Transferable skills are important so professionals should make every effort to create a clear and concise CV which highlights exactly what they can bring to the table. 

What does the future hold for you at Spencer Clarke Group?

I am excited about the future at Spencer Clarke Group. I want to continue delivering a great service to candidates and clients and continue to create meaningful relationships with all. 

We will continue to enhance the services we offer to ensure we are the go-to recruitment agency for children’s residential care providers.

Social care jobs

If you’re searching for your next interim social care job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 

Social care recruitment services

As social care recruitment specialists, we support local authorities, children and adults residential homes, and private sector organisations nationwide with their temporary, permanent and interim recruitment needs. 

If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Recruitment Consultant, Craig Mitchell on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards. In 2024, Spencer Clarke Group was also named Recruitment Agency of the Year.