Supporting an Historic Global Health Milestone through an Impactful Temp Placement

Allen Associates placed a highly experienced, part-time Executive Assistant to support Dame Barbara Stocking, former Chief Executive of Oxfam GB and President of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, during a four-year global health initiative.

Working at the highest levels of international policy and administration, Dame Barbara played a pivotal role in chairing a Global Panel that advised on negotiations that led to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The Executive Assistant Allen Associates placed was central to this process, offering discretion and growing knowledge on pandemics and on the Treaty itself. Together, they supported a multi-year, multi-stakeholder effort that culminated in a landmark agreement adopted by over 180 WHO Member States.

The Client:

Dame Barbara Stocking is a globally respected figure in international development, health policy, and humanitarian response. Before her tenure at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, she served as Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, where she led major humanitarian interventions and high-profile global campaigns, including Make Poverty History and the GROW campaign for food justice. She also held senior roles within the NHS and the Cabinet Office.

The Challenge

This was a unique and sensitive temporary requirement that came to Allen Associates via recommendation from a former client. Dame Barbara was seeking a part-time Executive Assistant (EA) to support her during a four-year, globally co-ordinated effort to finalise the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The role posed several specific challenges:

• Non-traditional structure: The position was not based within a company or organisation, but centred on supporting Dame Barbara directly in a consulting capacity.
• Limited hours, flexible pattern: The role required between 8–12 hours per week, with significant fluctuations depending on the demands of international travel, policy meetings, and diplomatic timelines.
• High-level demands: The EA needed to be capable of liaising with international missions to the UN in Geneva, senior academics, government departments, and leadership within the WHO, sometimes at very short notice, with minimal oversight.
• Discretion and resilience: With limited structure and high sensitivity, the role required outstanding judgement, gravitas, and emotional intelligence.

Our Approach

Having worked with the selected candidate, over more than a decade, Allen Associates was able to recommend her with full confidence. Our team has placed her in six different roles, including temporary and permanent placements across university departments.

Key elements of our approach included:

• Candidate knowledge and high level experience : She had a longstanding relationship with Allen Associates. Her combination of warmth, professionalism, and exceptional communication made her a standout candidate.
• Understanding of client needs: We met with Dame Barbara and carefully scoped out this challenging assignment, which often required response to shifting international demands. We aligned the brief with the candidate’s desire for meaningful part-time work and her proven flexibility.
• Sensitive shortlisting: Although the opportunity was likely to attract many applicants due to its flexibility, we shortlisted just a small group of candidates and Dame Barbara interviewed only one: our candidate. The trust we had in her capability, and our relationship with both parties, ensured a seamless match.

Results & Impact

This placement was both high-profile and of great importance for everyone involved. It led to a long-term professional relationship that directly supported the delivery of an historic international agreement.

• Successful four-year placement: The candidate remained in the role from late 2021 through to June 2025, supporting Dame Barbara across all key milestones.
• Instrumental contribution to a global agreement: The work culminated in the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement by over 180 Member States in May 2025. The agreement aims to improve global coordination and equity in future pandemic responses.
• Trusted partnership: Dame Barbara relied solely on Allen Associates for this hire, due to a strong recommendation and our tailored approach. The placement exceeded expectations in terms of skill, discretion, and delivery.
• Lasting legacy: Her contribution to the success of this project, and Allen Associates’ role in facilitating it, reflect the long-term value of strategic temporary placements at the highest level.

Why Work With Allen Associates?

• Track Record of Success: We specialise in finding exceptional talent for roles that others may find too complex, unusual, or nuanced.
• Depth of Relationship: Our candidate relationships span years — sometimes decades — enabling us to make confident, informed recommendations with outstanding results.
• Discreet & Consultative: We pride ourselves on our ability to work sensitively and strategically on behalf of senior individuals and clients in academia, healthcare, charity, and public service.
• Local Roots, Global Impact: Based in Oxfordshire, we understand the local market and the calibre of talent required to operate at a global level.

For more information on how we can support your temporary or permanent hiring needs, contact us at

hello@allen-associates.co.uk | 01865 335600