Challenge

Breast Cancer Now wanted to form its first Campaign Board, a group of influential, high-energy individuals to champion its mission and fundraising ambitions.

Traditionally, such boards are assembled through personal networks or classic headhunting. While that approach can work, it often limits diversity and risks overlooking people with the passion, skills, and drive to make a real difference. Breast Cancer Now sought a more open, transparent, and inclusive way to attract exceptional advocates who were genuinely inspired by the cause.

Approach

Partnering with Nurole, Breast Cancer Now ran an open campaign inviting individuals from across Nurole’s global network to put themselves forward if they felt a strong connection to the charity’s mission.

Nurole’s process allowed the charity to:

• Access a much broader, more diverse talent pool than traditional headhunting.
• Empower individuals to self-identify their capacity, motivation, and fit.
• Combine efficiency and fairness with the same level of rigour as a bespoke search.

Outcome

Of the 14 Campaign Board members appointed, six came directly through Nurole — all with different backgrounds and networks, yet united by their energy, commitment, and passion for the cause.

“We selected 14 people in the end and had many more who were appointable. I am delighted to say that we found a great crop through Nurole. Although they are all very different in their networks and connections, they all shared high energy and a passion for the cause.

That’s a great haul out of a total of 14 Campaign Board members, and the process and results certainly exceeded my expectations.”

 — Robert Swannell CBE, Campaign Board Chair, Breast Cancer Now

Impact

• Over 40% of the Campaign Board were identified through Nurole.
• High-calibre and diverse members discovered beyond traditional networks.
• An open, empowering process that surfaced individuals driven by a genuine passion for Breast Cancer Now’s mission.

Why it worked

By shifting from a closed, network-led approach to Nurole’s open, self-selecting model, Breast Cancer Now uncovered exceptional supporters who might otherwise never have been found.

Traditional headhunting relies on who you know. Nurole empowers individuals who care deeply about a cause to step forward and contribute, helping organisations build boards that are not just qualified, but truly inspired.

Nurole provides best-in-class hiring for forward-thinking boards. We blend the power and reach of technology with a very human understanding that every role, every organisation and every candidate is different. Contact us to discuss your next hire or find out more about becoming a member here.