Background & Client Overview
Gatehouse Chambers, formerly known as Hardwicke, is a prominent barristers’ chambers based in Gray’s Inn, London. In July 2021, the Chambers relocated to newly refurbished premises at 1 Lady Hale Gate, marking an important period of change and growth for the organisation.
Following the move, Gatehouse Chambers appointed Maxwell Stephens to recruit an experienced Facilities Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day operation, maintenance and compliance of the new building.
The role was critical to ensuring the premises remained safe, efficient, well maintained and professionally presented, while supporting the needs of barristers, employees, clients and visitors within a demanding legal environment.
The Challenge
Gatehouse Chambers required a Facilities Manager capable of taking ownership of a broad operational remit within newly refurbished premises.
The successful candidate needed to combine strong Facilities Management expertise with health and safety knowledge, contractor management, administration, problem-solving and excellent stakeholder communication.
Key requirements included:
Building & Facilities Management
Overseeing the daily operation of the premises and ensuring building services, workplace facilities and communal areas remained fully functional.
Health & Safety Compliance
Maintaining appropriate health and safety policies, procedures and documentation while ensuring the Chambers met relevant statutory requirements.
Maintenance Management
Coordinating planned and reactive maintenance and ensuring building issues were identified and resolved promptly.
Contractor & Supplier Management
Managing relationships with maintenance contractors, service providers and other external suppliers while monitoring service standards and performance.
Problem-Solving
Anticipating potential operational issues and responding quickly and effectively when problems arose.
Administrative Management
Maintaining accurate Facilities records, documentation and operational processes to support the effective running of the building.
Stakeholder Relationships
Building productive relationships with barristers, employees, suppliers and external professionals while maintaining the discretion and professionalism expected within a leading chambers.
Priority Management
Balancing multiple competing demands while maintaining close attention to detail and ensuring essential Facilities responsibilities were completed on time.
Our Recruitment Approach
Maxwell Stephens developed a targeted recruitment strategy around the specific requirements of Gatehouse Chambers and its newly refurbished premises.
Understanding the Requirement
We worked closely with the Practice Operations Director to understand the operational priorities of the role, the expectations surrounding the new building and the culture of the Chambers.
This enabled us to develop a clear candidate profile covering both technical capability and interpersonal fit.
Targeted Candidate Search
Using our specialist Facilities Management network and focused advertising, we identified professionals with strong experience across building operations, compliance, contractor management and high-quality professional environments.
Particular attention was given to candidates accustomed to workplaces where discretion, responsiveness and service quality were essential.
Detailed Assessment
Candidates were assessed on their:
- Facilities Management experience
- health and safety knowledge
- building-maintenance capability
- contractor and supplier management
- problem-solving skills
- organisational ability
- stakeholder communication
- attention to detail
- ability to manage competing priorities
- cultural fit with Gatehouse Chambers
Multiple interviews enabled us to assess both technical competence and the behaviours required to succeed within a barristers’ chambers.
Final Selection
Following a rigorous assessment process, Maxwell Stephens presented a shortlist of highly suitable candidates who demonstrated strong alignment with the operational requirements and values of Gatehouse Chambers.
Outcome & Impact
Maxwell Stephens successfully placed an experienced Facilities Manager who brought a strong background in Facilities Management, health and safety and contractor relationships.
Stronger Building Management
The successful candidate provided dedicated oversight of Gatehouse Chambers’ new premises, helping ensure the building remained well maintained and operationally effective.
Enhanced Health & Safety
Strong compliance knowledge supported a structured approach to workplace safety and helped ensure relevant responsibilities were managed appropriately.
Improved Contractor Management
Effective relationships with contractors and service providers supported reliable maintenance and stronger service delivery.
Proactive Problem-Solving
The candidate’s ability to anticipate issues and respond quickly helped minimise disruption and maintain smooth day-to-day operations.
Stronger Stakeholder Relationships
Excellent communication skills enabled the Facilities Manager to develop productive relationships across the Chambers and with external professionals.
Greater Operational Control
Strong organisation and attention to detail helped ensure competing priorities, administrative responsibilities and Facilities requirements were coordinated effectively.
Outcome
The successful placement provided Gatehouse Chambers with a Facilities Manager capable of combining building operations, compliance, contractor management, administration and exceptional stakeholder service within a prestigious legal environment.
The appointment was particularly important following the move to 1 Lady Hale Gate, providing the Chambers with dedicated Facilities leadership to support the continued operation and development of its new premises.
It also demonstrates Maxwell Stephens’ ability to recruit Facilities Management professionals for legal and professional services organisations, where technical competence must be matched by discretion, responsiveness and exceptional attention to detail.
Looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to oversee a high-quality legal or professional workplace? Contact Maxwell Stephens to discuss your recruitment requirements.