Research & Intelligence
We believe in the power of research.

Our purpose is simple: we are here to advise and support people and organisations to realise their potential so that together we can impact lives and communities for the better.

Within Livingston James, we have a highly skilled Research Team focused on diligently mapping appropriate markets in order to build and engage high-calibre talent pools.

Leaders in Research & Testing Across Scotland the UK

Working in partnership with our clients from the outset, our Research Team devises a bespoke and robust search plan, combining years of experience and AI-powered talent mapping.

Through effective project management and a data-driven approach, the Research Team gathers market intelligence and insights throughout the process, which is then shared with clients to enhance knowledge, understanding and decision-making. This allows clients to build a picture of their competitor or industry landscape, gaining critical insight into external candidates’ skills and capabilities, whilst highlighting the geographical distribution of talent.

All these factors ultimately lead to thorough talent decisions and true impact on both the role and the organisation.

Our Research Services…

Talent Mapping

Psychometric & Ability Testing

Remuneration Benchmarking

Our global reach…

Our research team can support international companies with hard-to-fill positions and cross-geography campaigns.  Using the latest technology and methods, they can connect with specialist candidates in remote locations and across the globe.  Our track record of international appointments includes senior roles across a range of sectors and geographic locations – from the UK and wider Europe, to India, Thailand and the USA.

Find Out More…

Contact Our Research Team

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

CONTACT

Psychometric and Ability Testing

We can understand your people.

Utilising the market-leading Saville assessment tools, our skilled in-house team is fully equipped to provide psychometric testing, analysis and reports. Available in Aptitude and Personality formats, these detailed reports provide valuable insights into prospective candidate’s workplace performance and preferences.

Saville Wave is widely regarded as having the highest predictive validity with regards to executive performance and is the only tool to identify alignment between work motives and talents. Paired with the interview questions provided as part of the report created by our trained psychometric assessor, Kirsty Mclardy, this tool can provide an additional level of validation regarding a candidate’s ability and potential to perform in a role.

Should you have a preference for another form of psychometric assessment, we are happy to discuss suitability and support as appropriate. For more information on our research and testing services, contact Head of Research, Kirsty Mclardy.

News & Insights...

The Evolving Role of the CPO in Private Equity Backed Businesses

No Diversity No Deal Meets Meets Redefining MACHO

Could an Uncertain World Mean More CEOs from a Human Resources Background?

Navigating New Terrain: Edinburgh Boardroom Lunch Event with Ian Reid (CBE)

Family Business NED Forum Breakfast Event with Livingston James and KPMG

Latest News from Livingston James

Famous for excellence.

Our dynamic team has experience advising in a wide range of industries and sectors.  We have led and developed businesses from board level, managing people and processes across countless specialisms and geographies. We can bring a unique perspective to your business needs.

1
ALS Dental
Bairds Malt
Bella and Duke
Business_Growth_Fund_logo.svg
bute energy
Care Inspectorate
CGS-Corporate-Logo_RGB
D2Zero
Denholm
DM-_logo-tag
emtelle
EY
Foresight new
Green Gen
Insights Group
KPMG_logo.svg
Loch Lomond Group
Lookers_logo.svg
Macphie logo
Noble-co-logo_smaller-01
Pelion
RES_Logo-HiResolution-scaled
Right There
Royal_College_Physicians_Edinburgh_RCPE_logo
scf_partners_cover
Skills Development Scotland
tbr-org-logo
Who Cares Scotland

Recent Case Studies...

Appointing two pivotal senior leadership roles for Albyn School

Glasgow 2026 Case study: Appointing the Executive team to deliver a new kind of games.

Protected: Stewart-Buchanan Gauges Case Study: Supporting a fellow employee-owned business with leadership succession

J.W. Filshill Case Study: Advising a Scottish headquartered wholesale business to embrace technological advancements and maintain its position as a market leader
Load More

"

GROUP CEO

JAMIE LIVINGSTON

At Livingston James, an unwavering focus on the impact of our appointments is at the heart of everything we do.  We work in partnership with our clients and candidates to bring together leadership teams that transform organisations and careers for the better. 

Jamie Livingston

Together we achieve more.

Livingston James Group comprises two bespoke sub brands: Livingston James – our executive search and leadership advisory practice, and Rutherford Cross – our specialist finance recruitment practice. This wider group structure complements our robust search and assessment process, allowing clients to access our deep-rooted network and expertise.

Livingston James
Rutherford Cross

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

CONTACT US

Subscribe to our News

Follow us on LinkedIn

Latest from the blog

Livingston James is Delighted to Partner with East Park to Appoint Chief Executive

East Park is a well‑established Scottish charity delivering specialist education and care services for children and young people with complex support needs. The organisation has a long history of providing safe, nurturing environments that enable young people to develop, grow, and prepare for adulthood.

The Chief Executive will lead the organisation overall, setting clear strategic direction and overseeing day‑to‑day delivery, while working closely with the Board to secure East Park’s long‑term sustainability and positive impact.

Livingston James Partners with Acrux Gold to Recruit Head of People & Culture

Acrux Gold is a vertically integrated precious metals business and the parent company of SGZ Cononish Limited, operator of Scotland’s only commercial gold and silver mine, with operations in the UK and South Africa.
Acrux Gold is appointing a Head of People & Culture to establish and lead the people function, supporting international growth and building the capability, culture and infrastructure required for long‑term operational success.

Livingston James Retained by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to Appoint Director of Digital Enablement

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is embarking on a major digital transformation, modernising its systems, platforms, infrastructure and digital capabilities to create a seamless, resilient, user‑centred digital experience for members, exam candidates, volunteers and staff. Leading and developing a newly created multidisciplinary Digital Enablement Directorate, you will drive cultural and operational transformation focused on enhancing ways of working, strengthening governance and embedding user‑centred, evidence‑based design principles.

Livingston James is Delighted to Partner with East Park to Appoint Chief Executive

East Park is a well‑established Scottish charity delivering specialist education and care services for children and young people with complex support needs. The organisation has a long history of providing safe, nurturing environments that enable young people to develop, grow, and prepare for adulthood.

The Chief Executive will lead the organisation overall, setting clear strategic direction and overseeing day‑to‑day delivery, while working closely with the Board to secure East Park’s long‑term sustainability and positive impact.

Livingston James Partners with Acrux Gold to Recruit Head of People & Culture

Acrux Gold is a vertically integrated precious metals business and the parent company of SGZ Cononish Limited, operator of Scotland’s only commercial gold and silver mine, with operations in the UK and South Africa.
Acrux Gold is appointing a Head of People & Culture to establish and lead the people function, supporting international growth and building the capability, culture and infrastructure required for long‑term operational success.

Livingston James Retained by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to Appoint Director of Digital Enablement

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is embarking on a major digital transformation, modernising its systems, platforms, infrastructure and digital capabilities to create a seamless, resilient, user‑centred digital experience for members, exam candidates, volunteers and staff. Leading and developing a newly created multidisciplinary Digital Enablement Directorate, you will drive cultural and operational transformation focused on enhancing ways of working, strengthening governance and embedding user‑centred, evidence‑based design principles.