THE Team
A Friendly and Experienced Team
With a wealth of experience, the team at THE Agency are dedicated and skilled in their roles and are looking forward to meeting with you soon.
Kim Barnes-Evans - FIRP
Kim is the Founder and Managing Director of THE Agency.
Embarking on a career in recruitment over thirty years ago, Kim is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the recruitment industry.
A veritable source of wisdom and cool, calm and practical advice and guidance for our Clients and Candidates, Kim has a well-earned reputation as a committed and reliable professional, finding the right balance between pragmatism and warmth in her day-to-day working life.
Having set up THE Agency in 2006, Kim wanted to create and nurture a recruitment agency with a difference, and she’s done just that.
THE Agency, following Kim’s own life ethos, puts people at the heart of everything.
Speaking to Kim, it’s clear how passionate she is about her business, and her dedication and dependably high standards are what set her and her business apart.
Kim loves what she does, and she speaks enthusiastically about the day-to-day variety that recruitment brings. “I know it’s a cliché, but no two days are the same.
I have many long-standing relationships with both Clients and Candidates, and I feel blessed that I work in such a rewarding job”, says Kim. “My team are hugely instrumental in our ongoing success, and bring a great dynamic, an array of wonderful skills and above all we have laughter, lots of laughter – the key ingredient in any demanding workplace – and lots of cake too!”
Working with Kim…
In the office, Kim is best known for her kindness, open office windows even in mid-winter, and her insatiable sweet tooth. Often, this can lead to her bringing in cream buns, cakes and other sugary delights and naughtiness, tempting all of us into breaks away from our otherwise steadfastly healthy eating habits(!)
Kim has an innate and magical ability to bring out the best in people.
Working with her, we all know we can bring anything to her and be met with an open mind or a listening ear.
Her unfailing kindness and generosity are a very special part of what makes Kim unique.
She cares deeply about the people in her life, and they in turn care very much about her.
Quick Q&A with Kim…
– What are you known for amongst friends and family?
My ‘there’s a solution to everything’ outlook and being a cup half full kinda girl.
– Sum yourself up in eight words or less…
Focused, driven, passionate, hardworking, fun, dedicated, compassionate, kind.
– What’s your perfect day?
Being with family and/or friends, relaxing, laughing and eating. Christmas day is my perfect day.
– Tell me about somebody who inspires you?
My mum. A true lady, and a very strong lady. She had many challenges in her life but always fought hard, even at the end of her life. She remained positive, dignified, and she made me laugh.
Email: kimbarnes@theagency.org.uk | LinkedIn
Founder & Managing Director
Jo Whitley - Office Manager
Jo is the Office Manager at THE Agency.
She’s been here since 2012, filling the office with her signature cheeky smile and laughter, all black outfits, weirdly particular food tastes and amazing work ethic. As Kim says, “she’s a keeper!”
Jo previously worked as a Product Manager within a Marketing Team for an interiors business, and prior to that worked in a local travel agents.
Jo brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge and unparalleled Excel skills (she’s our resident spreadsheet expert).
She is very precise and detail oriented in her work, and she’s also somebody our temporary workers liaise with regularly – lucky things! – when they’re in need of support or assistance, which Jo can always be relied upon to provide.
Jo looks after our temporary division and assists Kim by managing some of our key account Clients. Jo is also a whizz with all things marketing and design, and looks after our company branding, amongst other duties.
Working with Jo…
We love having Jo in the office.
Known amongst her friends and family as “the funny one”, Jo’s fantastic sense of humour leaves us all giggling.
She’s cheeky and wonderful, and quirky in all the right ways.
Jo celebrates Christmas in February, she’s full of facts and general knowledge about things you’d never ever need to know, and she hates tomatoes – but always has them on her sandwiches (if only just to take them off again).
Jo is also somebody who will always support those around her in times of need, and those who know her also know what an unfailingly kind and understanding person she is.
Quick Q&A with Jo…
– The most important thing a person can be is…
Kind
– Tell me something you’re proud of?
My Grandchildren, Henry and Violet
– What kind of biscuit would you be and why?
Fox’s Party Rings! They’re just so moreish, and currently on offer at the supermarket…
– What would you do if you won £10 million on the lottery?
After doing a happy dance, I’d share my winnings between friends and family. I’d then go on holiday and buy a property in Northumberland.
Email: joannewhitley@theagency.org.uk LinkedIn
Office Manager
Amy Calvert - Recruitment Consultant
Amy is a Recruitment Consultant.
She manages half of our permanent division, alongside Bev, liaising with potential Candidates and supporting with key Client accounts.
She’s also the author of our blog, and keeps our social media ticking away with the latest news and updates.
Joining us in 2018, Amy is still fairly new and fairly(!) fresh-faced.
Before joining us at THE Agency, Amy worked as a Course Administrator for a prestigious Higher Education institution, and before that worked in secondary schools.
With a varied background, Amy has found working in Recruitment to be a steep learning curve – “It’s a completely different ball game,” says Amy, “but I’m really enjoying the challenge! It’s so rewarding when you get to make that phone call to someone offering them their ideal role, you can’t beat it.
THE Agency has a really personable approach to recruitment, and it’s what makes my job so enjoyable.”
Working with Amy…
Amy is very clever, funny and sharp and leaves us in stitches in the office with her quirky tales and animated facial expressions.
She’s very hard working, creative and tenacious with strong values.
She cares about the work she’s putting forward and the Candidates and Clients that she works with. When she’s not at work, Amy is with her beautiful little boy, Flynn.
Quick Q&A with Amy…
– What’s your favourite book?
I don’t have a favourite book as such – how can anyone pick just one? – but I recently read The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa, and it was wonderful. It made me laugh, it made my cry, and it’s written from the cat’s perspective! What more could you want?
– What’s a good motto/some words of inspiration to live by?
“No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow” – Alice Walker.
As someone who loves to learn, I think that we should always be learning and growing – no matter our age – this is an apt quote because it’s all about continuous development and improvement and supporting others to do the same.
– If you were a garden gnome, what would you be doing?
Hidden amongst the flowers, reading a book.
– If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Probably some kind of cat. When I first meet new people, I can be quite quiet and reserved while I suss what’s what. Then, once I get to know you, I’m very caring and protective of my loved ones, if still a little feisty.
Email: amycalvert@theagency.org.uk LinkedIn
Recruitment Consultant
Shirley Walker - Office Admin
Shirley is our friendly Receptionist.
Greeting Candidates and Clients in our busy Cleckheaton office.
Starting with us in 2018, Shirley brings with her a number of years’ experience in HR, Administration, Business Development and Customer Service.
Shirley brings a lot to THE Agency, expertly handling diaries and making appointments, answering the phones, collecting and processing candidate test results and keeping our filing up to date and in order.
Shirley is well-liked and reliable, very caring and considerate and very much a people person. Working hard to put people at ease upon arrival, Shirley is a brilliant asset to the team, and more often than not, she’s the first person you’ll meet when you arrive at our offices.
Working with Shirley…
Speaking to Shirley, it quickly becomes apparent how important her friends and family are to her, and how fiercely proud she is of her daughter, Cathryn. Shirley is so caring and considerate, and she’d go to any lengths to support her loved ones as and when they need her. She’s very reliable, loves to be busy – both in work and out – and is a talented jewellery maker to boot! We love having Shirley in the team.
Quick Q&A with Shirley…
– What’s your favourite song?
More Than A Feeling – Boston
– What are you known for amongst friends and family?
My stew and dumplings!
– What would you call your autobiography?
Sometimes, I Am Blonde
– What’s your perfect day?
Walking on a deserted beach, followed by a pub lunch
Email: shirleywalker@theagency.org.uk LinkedIn
Receptionist
Ruth Toulson - Finance Assistant
Ruth is THE Agency’s Finance Assistant.
Ruth has been a key member of our ‘behind the scenes’ team since 2008, when she joined us as THE Agency’s Finance Assistant.
Ruth keeps our finances in order, expertly taming and maintaining a host of complicated spreadsheets and calculating columns in that magical way that accountancy people can!
Outside of THE Agency, Ruth is now a proud nana to her gorgeous grandson Reuben.
She enjoys spending time with her grown-up daughter Emma, indulging in retail therapy or jetting off to warmer climes with her husband to enjoy some well-deserved sun and relaxation.
Ruth is known for her signature white chocolate crème brûlée and is also a skilled knitter, taking commissions on her knitwear range.
Quick Q&A with Ruth…
– If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
A bee, because they’re always busy
– What are you known for amongst friends and family?
My baking
– What’s your favourite film?
Dirty Dancing
– What’s your ideal Saturday night?
Good company, good food and drink
Finance Assistant
Max Stoakes - Mascot
Max is THE Agency Mascot.
Born early New Years Eve 2018, Max is the youngest member of our team, taking on the important role of THE Agency Mascot.
Known amongst his nearest and dearest as a veritable sock thief, Max delights in stealing, hiding, chewing and collecting socks he finds from around the house.
He’s also partial to treats (don’t say the t-word unless you’re prepared with some in your pocket!) and belly rubs.
Quick Q&A with Max…
– What’s your favourite book?
I love anything about Winnie the Cocka-Pooh
– You’re the latest addition to a colouring box, what colour are you and why?
I like to think outside of the box (you cannot contain me!)
– The most important thing a person can be is…
Kind, generous, and not afraid to get mucky
– Tell me something you’re proud of…
Did they tell you about my sock pile?
– Tell me about somebody who inspires you…
My Pops. Even if I wasn’t ankle height, I would still look up to him.
– What’s a good motto to live by?
Live as if somebody left the gate open!!
Mascot In Chief
THE Associates
We are proud to work with some talented specialist companies that enable us to deliver additional services to our Clients and Candidates.
Paul Stoakes - SumFactors
Paul Stoakes is our ‘have-you-turned-it-off-and-on-again?’ IT man in the know and creator of our website. A veritable fountain of knowledge and complete techie-whizz, Paul keeps us up-to-date and running smoothly. When he’s not saving the world one (or fifty) IT jobs at a time, Paul enjoys spending time with his dogs and his adorable family in an idyllic Surrey setting.
Digital Marketing
QMS
QMS provides THE Agency with our ISO 9001 certification. This demonstrates our commitment to customer-focused and high quality services, laying out processes for our business to follow in order to achieve and maintain ISO 9001 quality standards. You can find out more about this certification here.
Certification Body
SumFactors
As Corporate Members of the recruitment industry’s governing body, THE Agency works closely with the REC to adhere to their governing practices and standards. Kim is closely involved with the body and has been a Fellow of the REC for almost 20 years.
This status provides THE Agency with access to resources, topical webinars, representation, training and legal services which are utilised for the benefit of our Clients and Candidates. You can find out more about the REC here.
Web: rec.uk.com
