Our Team
Meet the Team at Acacia Personnel
meet our
Exceptional Team
At Acacia Personnel, we believe in providing unparalleled service by having all aspects of recruitment expertly managed. Our team is made up of passionate Education Consultants, dedicated Recruitment Resourcers, meticulous Compliance Officers, Finance Specialists, and skilled Internal Trainers. Each of us plays a vital role in ensuring that every school and candidate we work with receives the highest level of support, from initial contact to placement. With a diverse and talented team behind us, we’re committed to making a lasting impact in the education sector.
Managing Director
Hey, I’m [ ]! I co-founded Acacia Personnel back in 2016 with a vision to change the way education recruitment works. After 15 years in the industry, I wanted to create a business that truly understands the needs of both schools and educators. We started out with just a small team, but with hard work and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we’ve grown into a dynamic force in the industry. As Managing Director, I focus on driving strategy and keeping the company values at the heart of everything we do. One of the best parts of my job is seeing our team and candidates thrive. Outside of work, I’m a huge football fan and love spending time with my family.
– Director
Hi, I’m [ ]! I’ve been part of Acacia Personnel from day one, working alongside David to build the company from the ground up. My background is in HR, and I’ve always been passionate about education, so combining the two has been an incredible journey. I oversee our strategic partnerships and ensure that we’re delivering top-tier service to schools across England and Wales. Watching Acacia grow has been a proud experience, especially knowing that we’re helping shape the future of education by connecting schools with the best talent. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring new hiking trails or buried in a good book.
James Watson – Senior Consultant
Hi, I’m James! I joined Acacia Personnel six years ago, and I’ve loved every minute of it. My role as Senior Consultant gives me the opportunity to work closely with both schools and candidates, ensuring the perfect match. I specialize in secondary education, but over the years I’ve worked across different sectors, and it’s the variety that keeps things exciting. One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with schools and educators – it’s more than just filling positions, it’s about making a lasting impact. Outside of recruitment, I’m a big fan of travel and love finding new adventures whenever I can!
Lucy Meadows – Primary Team Manager
Hi, I’m Lucy! I’ve been in education recruitment for over a decade now, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there. I started at Acacia Personnel as a consultant and worked my way up to Primary Team Manager. What drives me every day is knowing that we’re making a real difference in schools across the country. My team is fantastic – they’re ambitious, energetic, and keep me on my toes! No day is ever the same in this line of work, and that’s exactly what I love about it. Whether it’s helping a teacher find their dream job or solving a tricky staffing issue for a school, I’m always up for the challenge. When I’m not in the office, I’m usually running after my two kids or trying out new baking recipes!
Rachel Palmer – Secondary Team Manager
Hello! I’m Rachel, and I’ve been with Acacia Personnel for the last five years. I came in as a consultant and have now worked my way up to manage the Secondary Team. I’ve always had a passion for secondary education, and being able to support schools in finding the right talent for their classrooms has been such a fulfilling experience. My role is all about leading my team and making sure that we’re delivering the best possible service. I love seeing the success stories – when we place someone in their perfect role and they really thrive, it’s the best feeling. Outside of work, I’m a bit of a fitness fanatic and love going on long runs to clear my mind.
Jamie Harding – College Team Manager
Hey, I’m Tom! I’ve been with Acacia since the early days, and I can honestly say it’s been an incredible journey. As the College Team Manager, I work with some of the best educators in the sector, helping them find roles in further education that suit their expertise. I’ve always been drawn to the college sector because of the opportunity to work with both teachers and lecturers who have such a deep passion for their subjects. The best part of my job? Definitely the team – we work hard, but we also know how to have a good laugh. Outside the office, you’ll usually find me on the golf course or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen!
Emily Turner – SEND Team Manager
Hi there, I’m Emily! I’ve been with Acacia Personnel for four years, and during that time, I’ve found my calling in the SEND sector. As the SEND Team Manager, I lead a team that’s dedicated to placing educators in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities roles. It’s incredibly rewarding to help schools find the right professionals who can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable students. Every day brings new challenges, but it’s knowing that we’re helping to create supportive and inclusive learning environments that makes it all worthwhile. Outside of work, I love volunteering and spending time outdoors with my rescue dog, Max!
Esme Thorne Consultant, Primary Team
Hi! I’m Esme, and I’ve been part of the Primary Team at Acacia Personnel for just over 2 years. I love working with schools across Slough and Berkshire, helping them find passionate and skilled educators to support Early Years and Key Stage students. One of my favorite things about this job is the genuine connections I make with teachers and schools alike. When I’m not matching great people to great roles, you can find me sipping coffee and devouring the latest thriller novel. Working here has been a whirlwind, and I look forward to many more exciting opportunities.
Anna Thompson – Senior Education Consultant
Hi, I’m Anna! I’ve been at Acacia for 5 years now, and it’s been such an amazing experience. As a Senior Education Consultant, I focus on finding the perfect fit for teachers and support staff across primary schools. I’m passionate about building relationships with both candidates and schools, and I pride myself on providing the best service possible. I’m known for my attention to detail and love of coffee – seriously, you won’t find me without a cup in hand! I’m always ready to take on new challenges and help my team grow. When I’m not at work, I enjoy photography and exploring new cities.
Mark Davies – Principal Consultant
Hey, I’m Mark! I’ve been with Acacia Personnel for the last 6 years, and my journey here has been nothing short of exciting. As Principal Consultant, I work closely with schools to understand their specific needs and help them find the right educators. I started in recruitment straight out of university, and education quickly became my passion. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do directly impacts students' learning experiences. I’m always striving to improve and make our recruitment process as seamless as possible. Outside of work, I’m a die-hard rugby fan and spend weekends coaching my local team.
Clara Wilson – Vetting and Compliance Officer
Hi, I’m Clara! I joined Acacia Personnel two years ago, and my role as Vetting and Compliance Officer is all about ensuring we meet the highest standards in safeguarding. I take pride in thoroughly vetting each candidate we place, making sure that schools can trust us to provide qualified, vetted professionals. My attention to detail and commitment to excellence are what drive me in this role. I love knowing that the work I do behind the scenes helps to keep students safe and learning environments secure. When I’m not working, you can usually find me binge-watching true crime documentaries or knitting!
Emily Dawson - Consultant
Hi, I’m Emily, and I work within the Primary team here at Acacia Personnel. My job involves collaborating with schools across the Berkshire and Surrey regions to help them find top-tier teachers and teaching assistants. I’ve been part of this fantastic team for two years now, and it’s been an amazing journey. I love building lasting relationships with schools and educators, ensuring the perfect match for both parties. Outside of work, you’ll often find me enjoying nature walks with my dog or trying out new recipes in the kitchen!
Olivia Whitmore - Consultant
Hi there, I’m Olivia, and I work within the SEND team here at Acacia Personnel. I joined the team two years ago and specialize in working with schools that support students with special educational needs. Every placement is an opportunity to make a real difference in a child’s life, and that’s what drives me every day. Outside of work, I’m an avid reader and a bit of a coffee enthusiast – you’ll likely find me exploring different coffee spots in the city!
Daniel Cooper - Consultant
Hey, I’m Daniel, part of the Secondary team here at Acacia Personnel. I’ve been recruiting for secondary schools in and around the South East for four years, and I can honestly say there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finding the perfect fit between a school and a teacher. When I’m not at work, I’m usually tinkering with my bike or planning my next adventure in the great outdoors.
Ethan Palmer - Consultant
Hello, I’m Ethan, a member of the Primary team. My role involves working with schools across London to help them source both temporary and permanent teaching staff. I love the challenge of finding the perfect match for each school. Joining Acacia Personnel two years ago has been a fantastic experience, and I’m excited to see what the future holds. When I’m not recruiting, I enjoy cycling and spending time with my young family.
Sarah Patel - Director of Operations
Hi, I’m Sarah, co-founder of Acacia Personnel and your go-to for all things operational. I’ve been in education recruitment for 15 years and have had the pleasure of seeing this company grow from a small team to a thriving business. My role involves ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, from compliance to training. I love working with our incredible team, and I’m proud of the work we do to support schools across England and Wales. Outside the office, I enjoy hiking and photography—capturing the beauty of nature is my ultimate relaxation!
Emily Davies - Primary Team Manager
Hey, I’m Emily! I manage the Primary Team here at Acacia Personnel, and I’ve been with the company for 5 years. My recruitment career started almost a decade ago, and I’ve worked my way up through sheer determination and a love for the education sector. I lead a dynamic, enthusiastic team who make each day exciting. Whether we’re filling roles for teachers or assistants, our goal is the same—making a difference in schools. When I’m not managing placements, you’ll find me baking up a storm or attending local charity events.
Rachel Wong - SEND Team Leader
Hello! I’m Rachel, and I’ve been leading the SEND Team here at Acacia for 4 years. My focus is on supporting Special Educational Needs schools and helping to place the most compassionate and skilled professionals. I absolutely love working with schools that offer alternative education—it’s challenging but so rewarding. My team is small but mighty, and I’m proud of how we’ve consistently built long-lasting relationships with both candidates and schools. Outside work, I’m an avid runner and recently completed my first marathon!
Tom Edwards - Compliance and Vetting Officer
Hi, I’m Tom, your compliance guy! I’ve been making sure everything runs smoothly on the vetting front for the past 3 years at Acacia Personnel. For the past years, it's been my job to ensure that our candidates meet the highest standards before stepping into a classroom. From safeguarding checks to DBS verifications, I leave no stone unturned! What I love most about my role is knowing that I play a part in ensuring schools and students are safe. Fun fact: I’m a huge history buff and love spending weekends exploring museums.
Jasmine Price - Finance Officer
Hi, I’m Jasmine, and I manage all things finance at Acacia Personnel. I’ve been with the company since 2018, making sure the numbers add up! Whether it's handling payroll, invoicing, or budget forecasting, I love working with the team to ensure the financial side of our operations is as smooth as possible. I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers, but I also love being part of a company that makes a difference in education. In my downtime, I’m a yoga enthusiast and a bit of a foodie.
Lucy Campbell - Consultant, Early Years Team
Hi, I’m Lucy, and I specialize in Early Years recruitment at Acacia Personnel. I joined 2 years ago, and it’s been an amazing journey. Working with nurseries and early childhood education settings is incredibly fulfilling—there’s something special about knowing you’re placing teachers and assistants who will be part of a child’s formative years. Outside work, I love spending time with my two dogs, and I’m also an amateur painter in my free time!
Olivia James - Operations Manager
Hi, I’m Olivia, and I’ve been managing the operations side of Acacia Personnel for 6 years. My role involves overseeing everything from logistics to internal training programs, ensuring that our consultants and staff have everything they need to succeed. I love the fast-paced environment and the challenge of keeping all the wheels turning smoothly. In my free time, I’m a bit of an adventurer—I’ve gone skydiving twice and have a love for extreme sports!