Kate Bright, CEO of UMBRA, in Conversation with Neill Truett, Head of UMBRA Select
Kate Bright: Neill, let’s start with the big picture. What is UMBRA Select, and what sets it apart from traditional recruitment agencies?
Neill Truett: Great question! UMBRA Select isn’t just about recruitment – it’s about creating, developing, and maintaining relationships with amazing people, so we can secure the best, trusted talent for our diverse clients. Discretion, integrity, and honesty are key and form the basis of everything we do, which ensures that every placement enhances security, stability, and operational excellence for the Principal. Our clients, from global family offices, UHNW individuals and corporate leaders alike, trust us because we don’t just fill positions; we listen and place people who can integrate seamlessly into their world.
Kate Bright: The word “trust” comes up a lot in how we describe UMBRA Select. Can you talk more about the security-first approach that underpins everything we do?
Neill Truett: Absolutely. Many agencies vet candidates based on experience and skill set, but we go much further. Our vetting process prioritises security, discretion, and resilience. Every candidate is assessed for their ability to operate in high-trust and confidential environments, which includes gathering references, having in-depth conversations with candidates, so we can learn about them and their suitability, and background checking as part of our process.
We also hold industry-leading accreditations: ISO 9001, Cyber Essentials, and the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award (with our sights set on Gold). These aren’t just badges; they reflect our commitment to best practices in secure recruitment.
Kate Bright: One of the things that makes UMBRA Select unique is its global reach. Can you tell us about the talent network you’ve built?
Neill Truett: We place candidates in key regions, including the US, EU, Middle East, and Far East. Our network spans a broad range of backgrounds – on the UMBRA Secure side, former military, intelligence, law enforcement, and elite corporate professionals. On the Household side, with substantial cross-over into Secure, Chiefs of Staff, Estate Managers, EAs and PAs, House Managers, Chefs, Butlers, Nannies, and any other unusual roles you can think of, River Keeper, Dog Handler, and Gymnastics Instructors for instance. In addition, some of the most trusted and important positions are travelling roles: EAs who never leave the house without their passport and a change of clothes, International Estates Managers who travel the globe managing property portfolios and even the ‘Gentlemen’s Gentlemen’, an old-fashioned-sounding title, but highly popular and a key member of any team. Whether it’s a House Manager, a Private Chef, or an Executive Assistant, we ensure they align with the clients’ individual, operational, and security needs. That’s the UMBRA difference – blending invisible security with exceptional talent.
Kate Bright: You’ve worked within private service yourself, which gives you a unique perspective. How does that shape how you and the team approach recruitment?
Neill Truett: Having been on the inside, I understand the pressures and nuances of private and family office environments. It’s not just about finding the best people on paper; it’s about fit, trust, and long-term alignment. This ‘fit’, is probably the most important part, not just with the Principal but with the wider team, and you can only ascertain this by having conversations and maintaining relationships.
Many of our team members, including myself, have firsthand experience in private service. This means we don’t just respond to briefs, flinging over a few CVs; we proactively advise clients on building high-performing, resilient teams, often providing what the client needs, not what they have asked for, by sending a ‘wild-card’ who often ends up being just right.
Kate Bright: We often talk about “Secure Lifestyle Strategy” at UMBRA. How does UMBRA Select fit into that bigger picture?
Neill Truett: It’s a key pillar as Security isn’t just about technology or physical measures – it’s about people.
Our holistic approach means we don’t just look at recruitment in isolation. We work closely with UMBRA’s Secure Team to make sure the right people are in place before they’re needed. Whether it’s a Chief of Staff, an in-house cyber expert, or a specialist in mental health support, we take a strategic, long-term approach to secure staffing.
Kate Bright: Let’s talk about the types of roles we place. Can you give us a snapshot?
Neill Truett: Of course. UMBRA Select specialises in:
Security & Risk: Close Protection Officers, residential security, in-house cyber security experts
Household & Estate Management: House managers, butlers, chauffeurs, private chefs, nannies, governesses.
Family Office & Private Office: PAs, EAs, COOs, Heads of Family Office (especially from a military/public sector background)
Specialist Staffing: Private medical staff, personal trainers, mental health experts, and even individuals supporting family members pre- and post-rehabilitation.
Special Projects: We also offer headhunting services for bespoke, high-trust hires – from gymnastics instructors, dog handlers, and private medical staff to personal trainers, mental health experts, and even individuals supporting family members pre- and post-health rehabilitation.
Kate Bright: Finally, if you could sum up UMBRA Select in one sentence, what would it be?
Neill Truett: UMBRA Select is where trust meets talent – helping our clients build secure, high-performing teams with confidence and discretion.
Kate Bright: Perfectly said, Neill. For anyone looking to build a trusted team, UMBRA Select is the gold standard. If you’d like a confidential conversation about your hiring needs, get in touch today.
For more information on how UMBRA Select can help you find the right people – discreetly, securely, and with absolute trust – get in touch today.
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