34th Anniversary

Dear Client and Applicants,

Today is our 34th Anniversary! We sincerely thank all our clients and applicants for their tremendous support and friendship over the past 34 years!

Our doors opened back in 1985 on the 29th August with our first applicant placement in a short day with clients; Zimbabwe Leaf Tobacco and Deloitte Haskins & Sells for Receptionists. Today the person we placed in these two roles is still well known to us 34 years on! How wonderful this is.  We earned a handsome commission of 185 Zim dollars which was a fortune back then and paid our rent for two months!

Our rich history and the refined business model continues to grow daily with upbeat new opportunity and hope for the future. We are sincerely genuinely open for business. Today’s landscape of many ZSE Listed and Private Companies across their Leadership, Directorship, and Management roles occupied by applicants placed by us over the years. Our proud association and placement of so many talented people is a real indication and reflection of the dynamic leadership developed in Zimbabwe, which steers our business community today. We are proud to have contributed to our nation's growth and development.

Thank you to those people who continue to fly our flag as their joint partner. To those new applicants and friends of the future be assured of our 100% commitment to;

“Helping you shape your future.”

We look forward to hearing from you soon and once again thank you all.

Sincerely

Colin Roberts

The job market remains a damp squib – with hope for 2018 beyond the election

The new dispensation achieved back in 2017 today has lost much excitement and the hope renewed remains a damp squib across the job market. Change has not translated into any job creation or growth whatsoever, and across many professional sectors, it is worse. The renewed hype and euphoria escalated but turned in to total frustration and anger for many qualified job seekers today. Every year we continue to churn out thousands of graduates, newly qualified CAs and other skills, only for them to become street vendors or leave Zimbabwe to support the region with our manpower – trained at a considerable cost to the Country. We remain the training ground for other Countries and this needs to stop soon!

However, the challenge and call for Zimbabweans to come home to help build the Country is too soon as there are no jobs back home. There may be investment opportunities only. The employment cost to also attract skills back from the Diaspora is too costly for most local companies, which is often a preferred route for international clients who seek specially trained skills from the first world. Today, Diaspora skills are required to discount their services by up to 50% of their external earnings to be affordable in Zimbabwe. The lack of actual USD dollars remains another headache and hurdle as few companies pay real US dollars cash in hand. Existing skills already on the ground remain affordable whereby employers continue to pay sub-economic salaries and benefits to desperate employees who have no bargaining power. This trend should change in the future if new employment opportunities expected met growth plans. A preferred employer status will count in the long term.

Back in Oct 2017 and beyond - we were overwhelmed with inquiries from the Diaspora, and this continues today. Over the past week alone we received 150 new CVs for the Mining Sector. The Mining sector is perceived to be a growth area, and the demand for skills may eventually outstrip supply in the years ahead. Our immigration policy will need to change to meet this quota if we are open for business.  Our database currently exceeds 55 000 registered skilled CVs based in and outside Zimbabwe. We receive over 100 applications each day. Our website receives over 350 000 hits a month. Up to 300 applicants apply for each position listed – we are overwhelmed with attempting to help each person. We cannot cope with job seeker demand and its heartbreaking. The desperation of a job seeker is well known with many graduate applicants offering their service for free just to get work and experience ! Due to this pressure, we only list a few jobs on our website as we cannot cope with the traffic.

Our weak economy remains sluggish and suggests possibly that the boost is still to come! We are very hopeful. I met an investment client last week who stated they would only invest in Zim if a work permit quota awarded for their CFO role. General Immigration shall be a new challenge for the government who in the past closed the doors on many foreigners and former Zimbabweans wanting to work here. A liberal approach will be needed. We have to turn optimism into reality and create work for thousands of people going forward. I have recruited for over 35 years, and I am very excited for the future. Zimbabwe has some of the best-skilled people in the world who are dedicated and hard working. The Recruitment service industry is a competitive market and discerning future representation for client and applicant alike will be our significant success as Zimbabwe’s oldest and most recognized agency in Zimbabwe. We have geared and ready for change ahead. We need to be patient, beyond 100 days and send the right message to our people and investors. Zimbabwe is open for business! 

So let’s hope the next quarter of 2018 brings success and rewards to us all. Good luck in your job hunting ahead.

Non-Executive Directors and the future!

Our search and mandates have already begun. We need you!

We are part of transforming the Country to sustainability. Can you help us lead the change? The current business climate and dispensation offers a new opportunity for exceptional talent who wish to drive for the future and contribute to the success of the private and public sector.

The “boy’s club system” is over and new talent must step forward and lead. Zimbabwe is open for business!

We have been operating at the top end of Executive recruitment and selection business for over 33 years and proud to count ourselves amongst those who are the best in our field today. We offer priveledge opportunities for executives keen to be part of our clients businesses. We have been retained to assist a number of clients to reconstruct their non-executive Boards and seek recognized talent. Ideally, you may sit on one or two ZSE Listed or Private Boards today and wish to increase your footprint across the business sector.

The list of attributes required of a non-executive director is so long, precise and contradictory that there cannot be a single board member in the world who entirely fits the bill. They need to be: supportive, intelligent, interesting, well-rounded and mature, funny, entrepreneurial, steady, objective yet passionate, independent, curious, challenging, and more. They also need relevant qualifications and real business experience, a strong moral compass, and are a first-class all-rounder with specific industry skills. The personal character of a person often makes or breaks the success of a team effort in leadership. We shy away from arrogant, autocratic and self-importance traits which need to be left at the doorway as it will have no place in a successful sitting. A well rounded and supportive character often sorted. Do you fit the positive part of a profile required?

We seeks skilled persons across a wide spectrum of professions – Legal – Risk – Finance – Entrepreneurial – CEO and COO Leadership and more!   

We are keen to engage with you personally via a private and confidential discussion but you must prepare your CV first in a manner which captures our interest! Your CV should be no more than a one pager which captures enough information to excite us! We are more likely to come up with the right person, who has not only the appropriate industry and functional experience but also the right approach and outlook therefore you must also play your part. Unlike most networks of people explicitly seeking non-executive director roles, our candidates are mostly engaged in lively or retired careers to date.

Please email Colin Roberts - colin@valcol.co.zw
http://valcol.co.zw/non_executive_directors_future.html

General Appeal from The Friend Animal Foundation

The Friend Animal Foundation continues to provide a safe and loving environment for those lost, abandoned and surrendered animals in our care.  We have been badly hit by the current economic stress that Zimbabwe has been experiencing and are fighting hard to avoid having to close our doors.  We desperately need long-term support from the general public in order to continue helping the constant influx of animals we deal with.  Our monthly running costs have been whittled down to the absolute bare essentials and there is no way we can cut running expenses any further.  We are struggling to raise the required $7500 per month in order to keep us running efficiently.  

 The projects we are currently working on at the Foundation are all mainly geared at improving the current facilities not only to help improve the quality of life for the animals in our care, but also to improve our boarding facilities in an effort to increase the income of funds from that direction.  A lot of the materials required for that are of a "building and construction" nature: a 40-ft container, fencing, poles, cement, bricks, sand, stone, paint, paintbrushes, roofing sheets, wire, planks, nails, nuts and bolts, electrical goodies, shade-cloth, door hinges etc. 

 We then have a list of items that are needed for the animals themselves:  Dog baskets, blankets/duvets, towels, metal feeding bowls, metal water bowls, kennels, water troughs, straw/hay, durable plastic soccer-size balls or tennis balls, soft toys, collars and leads, shelving (for cat enclosures), brushes, nail trimmers, flea powders for dogs and cats, puppy/dog dip, fiprinol flea and tick treatment (available at Delports), baby shampoo, de-worming tablets, fly smear, tick grease, wound spray/powder, pro-biotic powder, klim or dendairy (sugar-free) milk powder, dog biscuits and kibble food, cat biscuits, grain for the farm animals, fresh vegetables for the bunnies/guinea pigs etc.

 And then there is the general cleaning supplies that we go through (a lot!):  Laundry powder, bleach, dishwashing liquid, handy-andy, vim, scouring pads, scrubbing brushes, indoor and garden brooms, duster cloths, tea towels, mutton cloth, cotton wool, betadine solution, betadine ointment, colloidal silver liquid, Dettol, Dettol handwashing liquid, Raid insect spray etc.

 Office supplies that we regularly need:  Reams of bond paper, pens, pencils, envelopes (variety of sizes), wage envelopes, coloured card, coloured paper, ink cartridges for the printer, clip boards, paper punch,  paperclips, staples, stapler, mighty markers, files, notepads, counter books, rulers, receipt books, stamp-pad and ink, file dividers, adhesive labels, sellotape etc.

 Our innovative team are usually able to find a use for all good-quality items that are donated.  If we receive something that we cannot use directly, our fundraising team are very good at finding a way to use it for raising much needed funds.  Whisky's, gift vouchers, jewellery, candles, and a variety of other donations we have received have been very helpful with enabling us to put together raffles and prizes for competitions we have run.  The offer of services has also been put to good use as we can always use a photographer, massage therapist, web designer, electrician or accountant!  We are spreading the word of our Ecocash Merchant Number (89313) as a useful and convenient way for people to support us.  Our sponsorship drives (frosted faces, special needs, vet fund etc.) generally give an opportunity for people to help support one animal for $20 per month.  They are gaining popularity but still have a huge opportunity for people to support our efforts - these can be paid monthly via the Ecocash Merchant Number as well.

Our banking details for donations are:  Ecobank Borrowdale, Account: 0011097609470901  or  Steward Bank Eastgate, Account:  1006737826, Swift Code STBLZWHX.  Please give a reference (ie. donation, frosted faces fund, special need sponsor, vet fund, foster adoption, etc) so that we can accurately identify your contribution.

Volunteers are always welcome.  We all have different area's of expertise so if you are willing to help out, we are ready to welcome you.  Not all volunteers have to be "on the ground" where seeing the animals can be upsetting - our fundraising committee, administration section, sales and support can be done from anywhere.  If you would like to help, please contact us.

Hoping this has given you a better guide on the type of things we need and use at The Friend Animal Foundation for the benefit of the animals in our care.  We shall continue to find ways to try and keep our doors open - but we simply cannot do it without support from our community.

 Kind regards

Laura Bass gocolts418@gmail.com

Administration Manager

The Friend Animal Foundation

0772-334-613

Welcome to 2018

Dear Clients and Applicants,

Welcome to 2018 – here’s wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

So much has been reported about the success and failure endured throughout 2017. Let us park the bygone year and look forward as a Nation. Let us work together and rebuild our beautiful Zimbabwe. We can do it. Let us embrace integrity and shun corruption in re-establishing our value system as a proud and resourceful people. Zimbabwe is a proud Nation and we deserve to do better!

We are excited that 2018 ahead is expected to be a game changer with the creation of jobs and investment expected across all sectors. We hope this expectation is certainly achieved and not lost and look forward to our leaders engaging regional and global players to work with and invest in Zimbabwe. We need investment at any cost.

We also hope to be your preferred partner as a client or job seeker as Zimbabwe’s premier consultancy firm. It was extremely tough for many applicants last year as the job market continued to shrink to levels never seen before. Please don’t lose hope as a job seeker and prepare yourself for the year ahead. Dust off your CV and re-align it to an international standard to make yourself marketable and of interest. Do remember the market is fiercely competitive and have seconds to impress the reader or consultant. You must be adequately prepared and knowledgeable in every aspect to succeed as a candidate. Don’t leave any aspect to chance in your desire to be successfully placed. Don’t apply to a role that doesn’t match your skill and experience as you do more harm than good overall. We understand your desperation and will continue to represent you as a leader in the local and regional market. With Valcol you only have to register your CV - ONCE (unless there are material changes to content) – not like our competitors. A follow up email is only required. So today - update your file and CV for 2018. We look forward to hearing from you!         

We thank our esteem client base for the support given throughout the past 33 years and in 2017. We are ready to assist you as a preferred partner. Our website continues to receive over 330 000 hits a month. As Zimbabwe’s only senior Executive Recruitment Consultancy - We offer a sole mandate service to senior applicants not registered elsewhere as a discerning partner. Be surprised at the skills we can offer to assist your business growth.

Good luck in your future 2018 endeavours! We hope to cross paths as we help you shape your future!

Sincerely

Colin Roberts

Managing Director

The Fix It Month

The Friend Foundation has been extremely fortunate in the last month to have received help from two of the most amazing people Mr. John de Wet and Mr. Colin Roberts. Both of these men have helped the foundation and their help is very profound and it has humbled those of us who work here. Thank you John and Colin for opening our eyes and going above and beyond to help us.  

With Paint and Plaster new hope is born!

The cracks have been fixed, the walls have been rebuilt where needed, plastering and the painting is on going. What can we say about the man that is behind this all? Out of the goodness of his heart Mr. John de Wet has taken it on himself to fix the problems with our office, and other buildings. FAF cannot express how grateful we are for this help, our office is looking a million times better. It has given all of us a new optimism! We honestly cannot thank you enough for your help!

The Sparks Fly!

It is startling to think what a difference it has made for someone to donate to FAF for a few days a welder, his equipment and supplies that are needed to fix kennels. Mr Colin Roberts from Valcol did just this. He sent his welder out with an assistant and all the materials needed and suddenly all our kennel doors work just as they should. Last year with the possibility of closure we limited everything to try and save enough to keep the shelter open and small things like this sliped by the wayside. To know that someone has taken the time to help us with this is overwhelming. Thank you Colin and Valcol!

Toby the little blind boy.

This is Toby, full name Toblerone, is the sweet darling boy that was found by a Good Samaritan on the side of the road so weak that he could not stand and he had gone blind from the malnourishment. The road to recovery for this little guy has been long and rough. He has been in the vet several times. His muscles were very weak and he was not able to walk properly. Finally though he is coming right. Toby is only 7 months old and despite the rotten start to life he is finally doing well. He is able to walk around and the best news of all he has regained partial sight. His mischievous playful character has emerged. He is a delight to have around and is very loved by his Foster mother Pippa.

Check out our new website

A lighter start to the year!

Dear Applicants and Clients

Let's start off 2017 with good health tips and discuss HR matters next month! A healthy body and mind is needed to succeed in life!

A lighter start to the year!

Many of us make New Year resolutions and few are kept - I am a VERY keen Keep-Fit fanatic. I believe training formulates without doubt part of a healthy and productive work and play life style. I have retained my own Personal Trainer for a number of years. As you get older it becomes harder and difficult to achieve your goals without help.

Personal Trainer - Jonathan Dabah - suggests the following training tips for 2017;

You can contact him on 0772 391 875 for a private work out session at the gym! Come join us!

10 FITNESS TIPS FOR 2017

1. Focus on yourself - Don't worry about everyone else.  It's you versus you. Train to improve yourself inside out each and every day
2. Put emphasis on athletic gains as opposed to a certain look. You will improve tenfold when you focus on your athletic ability. Improved performance, strength and speed - Trust in this and you will be well on your way to a healthier, fitter, stronger you!
3. Weights, protein and High intensity cardio. This will keep you lean and mean. Ensure protein and keep yourself full, you’ll eat less carbs. Keep your metabolism fire going with the combination of weights and HIIT cardio.
4. Don't diet. You need enough calories to give as much effort into your workout to improve your overall physique. If you don’t and eat minimal calories your body will never change!
5. Drink up. Most people never drink enough water. Drink regularly throughout the day. It keeps you hydrated, improves digestion and the metabolism up. Eliminate fizzy drinks and juice it's just empty calories
6. Rest. Give your body time to recover and repair. Your body will thank you for it
7. Be patient. Trust the process. Commit to be fit and live a long happy and prosperous life. This is a lifestyle change and no quick fix. 
8. Lose the booze. Cut back on the alcohol; it slows the fat burning process dramatically. You don’t have to quit it completely, but the less you have the easier you’ll get lean
9. Bin the scales. One day it's up one day its down. Take progress photos once a month instead. You’ll see your body change right before your own eyes
10. Be disciplined. If at first you don’t succeed try and try again. Discipline will not only make you happier but you will also feel more accomplished in doing so. Stick to the task at hand. Mistakes are okay, just keep on pushing forward to attaining that dream body you have always wanted and you will succeed

Helping you Shape the Future

So when thinking about changing your job, think about your health and training as "Helping you Shape the Future" is part of a lifestyle!

Sincerely

Colin Roberts

Welcome to 2017

Dear Applicants and Clients

Welcome to 2017!

The Directors, Management and Staff of The Valcol Group wish you a most prosperous and successful job hunting year ahead. We look forward to assisting you attain your goals in a competitive and exciting job market. We strive to be your active partner and hope to bring good cheer as the job market opens throughout 2017. Please remember to update your CV for 2017.

As we are currently recruiting for Non-Executive Directors under Director Positions - applicants should consider the format of letter and CV to be submitted – below are some important and salient points;

Tips for aspirant non-executive directors How to promote yourself for board positions

1. Have clear motivations: Knowing why you want to be a director, the type of board role you are seeking and having the time to commit to the role is critical.
2. Define your value proposition as a director: Prepare a clearly articulated statement about how you can add value to a board.
3. Undertake professional development in governance and/or directorship: Professional organisations such as Institute of Company Directors offer director specific training and professional development, and provide opportunities to network with directors. Joining and being actively involved in professional associations is important from a professional development as well as networking perspective.
4. Prepare a directors’ CV.  A directors’ CV history is different to an executive CV in that it focuses on skills relevant to a board’s role. Even if you don’t have board experience, translate your skills and experience to what the role of a board entails - you might include directly reporting to a board, being involved in a board committee or being on the board of a subsidiary entity within your corporate group.
5. Network and make contacts at board level: Tell relevant people about your desire to sit on a board. If there are particular boards you aspire to join, get to know those companies and their people.
6. Seek board level experience: Many directors start their board careers by sitting on a not for profit board where skilled directors are often sought. Here you can gain board experience while contributing to the work of a worthwhile cause.
7. Find mentors and sponsors: Informal and formal mentoring by experienced directors can provide an invaluable source of introductions as well as trusted advice e.g. as a sounding board for a directors’ CV, providing background on a board and its directors, and helping you run through a board level interview.
8. If you are applying for a specific role: · read the selection criteria thoroughly and be sure that you meet the requirements for skills and experience – applying for roles indiscriminately doesn’t reflect that you have good judgment or that you have a real interest in the particular role · check there are no impediments to taking on the position such as conflicts of interest, and executive contract restrictions · research the role and tailor your resume to the skills sought and the company whose board you are seeking to join · be clear about the time commitment and other expectations of the role and ensure that you are able to meet them.
9. Actively listen to what the board is seeking: ‘Selling yourself’ doesn’t equate to talking about yourself, what you’ve done and how you would change the board and company. It involves listening to what the company is looking for and being clear about where you can contribute at board level.
10. Undertake a good due diligence process before you take on a board role. As a director you have legal duties and take on certain liabilities. As far as possible, you need to make sure that you are comfortable with the company and board.

Becoming board-ready:

Preparing your director’s CV (when applying for a specific board role) - a directors’ CV is essential and is NOT the same as an executive employment CV. A director’s CV should be two pages and focus on skills and expertise relevant to a board. Even if you don’t have board experience, you should relate your skills and experience to the functions of a board or refer to your ‘board-related experience’ which might include directly reporting to a board, being involved in a board sub-committee or being on the board of a subsidiary entity within your corporate group. You should tailor your director’s CV for each role to the skills sought and the target company. The purpose of a directors’ CV is to get you on the ‘long list’ for a role. If you are successful in doing this, then a recruiter or the company will come back and seek more detail from you. In this context a director’s CV should include:

• A clearly articulated statement about the type of role you are seeking, the industries and company types you are interested in and how you can add value to a board
• A succinct summary of your education, qualifications, skills and experience relevant to a board’s functions
• Board roles (or board-related experience) in reverse chronological order including dates and key company data (e.g. industry, asset base, and turnover, number of employees), key board positions held and other contributions
• Career history in reverse chronological order for the last 10 - 15 years. Include for each role relevant dates, title and description of position, company name and key company data, key duties and key achievements (career experience more than 15 years ago should just be summarised)
• Education and qualifications
• Professional memberships relevant to the role of a director
• Significant awards, publications and presentations – summarised if the list is extensive

Some other considerations include: using an appropriate corporate picture if you are including a picture; using a professional personal email address; and ensuring your CV is well formatted, and proofed so that it includes no grammatical or typographical errors. Your CV should be accompanied by a cover letter. Your cover letter should be short and punchy (definitely no more than a page) highlighting your value proposition for the role, the reasons for your interest, and summarising your relevant skills and experience. Bullet points rather than lengthy prose in small font to ensure the letter fits on one page are a lot easier to read. Before writing the cover letter you should read the selection criteria thoroughly, and research the company (If known) if you are not familiar with it

Traditionally, Zim directors have been recruited through word of mouth and networks. This is changing and increasingly, boards are using more open and objective processes to draw in a wide pool of suitably skilled candidates. The recruitment process is also likely to be informed by the board carefully assessing not only the ‘skills gap’ it is seeking to fill but also the personal attributes or ‘fit’ of a director. Some directors start their board careers by sitting on a not for profit board where skilled directors are often sought after. This enables a new director to gain board experience as well as contribute to the work of the organisation. However, others transition directly into a commercial board role utilising their strong professional or industry skills.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed at first – it may take many applications before you are successful. This isn’t because you aren’t a strong candidate or aren’t ‘good enough’. Boards are often looking for a very specific set of skills and experiences to compliment already placed Non-Executives.

Don’t waste your time if you are not prepared to place great effort and time into the preparation of the above.

We look forward to engaging you further as the year progresses. May sure your CV is polished and brought up to date when applying for any role.

Yours truly,

Colin Roberts

October 2016 Greetings

Dear Client and Applicant,

At the beginning of 2016 I promised myself that I would blog and communicate more often with our client and candidate readers through our website.

I had hoped to bring relief and excitement to the job market as a preferred supplier and Leading Consultant as we entered our 31st year of trade. It seemed Zim would offer many employment opportunities not limited to any sector. Sadly, as the months progressed it became quite clear and apparent that the demise of our economy was at a more advanced stage than previously thought. Then, with the extra pressure exerted to meet client demands, it apparently meant time wasn't going to be on my side. These facts were proved, combined with the increased pressure of handling hundreds of emails and CVs daily, it meant I have failed to blog. Well, I hope you will forgive me, as I try to make up for it in the future.  With over 260 000 website hits a month, it seemed without a doubt, that the job market was in trouble, as applicant CV submissions increased substantially. Month by month the job market has retracted at an alarming pace. You may have also recently noticed "closed" beside many jobs listed. It has occurred as the failed economy has taken command.  We have now entered the last quarter of 2016, and the news remains desperate. Let us hope in the future this may all change as the rains approach and the farming and tobacco season starts again!  

Some news - I decided that in 2016 Valcol would introduce a more rigorous, and ethical protection applicant/client policy. This policy would be part of our legacy. We would take a stance!  An equal respect, investigation and care program process for both client and applicant. Parties would remain ethical and equal as customers. It was time to approach recruitment with a clear mandate to evaluate and protect us all. We promised an "upfront comprehensive compliance and governance policy" to protect all concerned. Valcol would not only continue to deliver upon its mandate awarded with proven applicants but would also ensure the potential employer retained the capability to remunerate the successful candidate selected and to settle their fees. This process was rarely evaluated before and was always assumed. From the beginning, our approach would be to investigate and confirm that the employer retained the ability to pay any successful candidate placed. We retained the right to ask questions and verify their current and past pay policy. It would ensure the safety of the recruitment mandate was guaranteed. The ongoing policy has since separated us to only represent a reliable client base from those who do matter in the business arena. We demanded that clients be honest to their trading position. Our stance saw an immediate reduction in assignment work, but on the positive side, today has protected our brand and applicants, attracting only discerning clients. Too much deceit exists in the job market today, and although there continues to be job desperation, we firmly believe that if an employer is unable to meet their monthly salary payment (within a reasonable time frame), then they should not recruit. The thought of hoodwinking a desperate applicant and fighting for our commission payment is just not right! Rather stay home than go to work for no pay! Seemingly some clients want 100% commitment and service, but fail to pay service rendered. Those clients are no longer part of our esteem portfolio. We are therefore proud to have placed a substantial number of worthy applicants in organisations that are genuine and regarded as gold. Therefore, any advert placed by us assures you that we have joined hands with the best employers left in Zimbabwe. A promise that we respect both the client and applicant as equal partners! As a potential employee you have the right to ask questions, with respect throughout the interview process, so don’t be scared to confront these matters with the client. Job selection and security is fast becoming a very competitive process so applicants need to apply every positive technique available to them. Poor constructed CVs continue to come in. Ask yourself why you haven’t been called for an interview? Stop applying to roles that your skills don’t match. It infuriates Recruiters if you waste they time! Take control of your destiny by applying yourself with attention to detail. Good luck as your continue your search for work.         

As I drove to work today, I smiled as I crossed over Churchill Ave to see fallen bright Jacaranda pods all over the road. It was a magnificent sight. My smile remained but just for awhile until I was confronted by the dreaded Licensing and Police Roadblock ahead, precariously placed around the bend.............until I blog again, keep well and confident as we help you shape your future!

Sponsor a Kennel Today

THE FRIEND ANIMAL FOUNDATION

ANDREW IMRAY

Urgent SPCA Appeal

AN URGENT HARARE SPCA APPEAL

The Harare SPCA is a Private Voluntary Organization. The cost of running the hospital and the kennels in 2015 was approximately $30 000 per month. Management worked on a very tight budget and relied hugely on benefactors to keep the doors of the Society open.  The Harare SPCA has now run out of funds and the number of animals in desperate need of help is rising alarmingly. Many of the pet owners bringing dogs in for treatment cannot afford to pay but they are never turned away. The animals will not be left to suffer. Surrenders are always taken in . The HSPCA must continue to offer assistance to members of the public who cannot afford to treat or keep their animals. There are plans for future fundraisers but these will take some time to organize. In the meantime the HSPCA urgently needs help. If you are able to donate please contact the Harare SPCA General Manager on the following numbers

04 576356/7 or 04 581347

E-mail    operations.harare@spca.org.zw

Welcome To 2016

Greeting from the desk of Colin Roberts

Hello and welcome to 2016!

We sincerely hope that you enjoyed your festive season and look forward to the challenge of 2016 as you build your career or change jobs.

Whatever the reason may be, we at Valcol through our esteemed, blue chip client base hope to offer some exciting and challenging roles throughout the year ahead. Most of our clients use us as sole mandates so watch our website for these opportunities. Right now the economy is hugely challenged and with many companies re-sizing it may take some time for roles to emerge.

Our website receives thousands of hits a day and we ensure every email is dealt with as required. Do be patient with us. With a very high unemployment rate it takes time to reply and grade your application.  We understand the desperation felt by you all and we do sincerely care!

Please remember that you DO NOT NEED to send a CV for every role advertised.

Some agents request this procedure, but at Valcol you need to only do this once! Our database search system allows for CV cross pollination opportunities, so you won't miss out. If you fit a role we will contact you. This means you are registered from the time you send your CV until placed. However if you have gained new qualifications or personal data has changed please send your updated CV.

Don't forget to include your current salary and benefit details. Most clients will request a payslip for clarity and therefore do make sure you are honest and dependable.

We have a zero tolerance policy to dishonesty. We intend to vigorously defend this point with our clients’ interests in mind. Do remember we check your background and if you are in default, you will never be placed by us! We want you to become part of our family and in 2015 we placed the highest number of Executives in the Country. Our 30th Anniversary celebration may have come and gone but we remain determined and ready to assist you all.

Valcol - Helping you shape your future!

So that's all for now;  be assured we shall blog further throughout 2016.

FOR NOW WE WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2016 AND THE IMMENSE CHALLENGE AHEAD.

Merry Christmas

The Directors and Staff of The Valcol Group sincerely thank both clients and applicants for all your amazing support throughout 2015

WE WISH YOU ALL A SAFE AND BLESSED FESTIVE SEASON AHEAD.

We shall be closed from the 22nd December 2015 and will reopen on 4th January 2016.

Travel safely and we look forward to “Helping you Shape your future” in 2016

Merry Christmas to you all!

From the desk of Colin Roberts

As one of Zimbabwe’s longest-established and most successful human resource consultancies, Valcol has become a household name.  As it reaches its 30th anniversary, we are taking time to celebrate three decades of operation, and look ahead to continued service to the business community. Please visit our updated website, timed to launch in conjunction with our anniversary. We hope you find it user friendly and helpful for your needs.

The company opened its doors in August 1985, when I had the privilege of founding it in partnership with Andrew Kirby and Val Roberts. We focused on becoming a human resources company with a range of services to a market in search of innovation and energy from its service providers.

Three decades on, we look back with pride, and to the future with confidence, despite the immense economic challenges we face as a nation.

The past 30 years have been something of a roller coaster ride for everyone, with some extremely good times and some worrying times. However, I am delighted that Valcol has come through, ready to serve the market and keen to ensure that up-to-date ideas, skills, and technology combine to offer clients unmatched service.

We have seen unprecedented growth in technology and HR processes that benefit the individual and organisation. Valcol have endeavoured to keep abreast of all these developments and, where appropriate, embrace them for the benefit of our clients.

We were the first HR consultancy to make use of the Thomas Profiling System, to host a national radio programme, broadcast TV advertisements, and introduce online services. We also undertook a large programme of social responsibility, aimed at both the young people and older folk in need, and have always supported animal welfare.

Our early operations grew from premises in the CBD to our current home in Avondale where we have been for well over a decade. At all times we have aimed to be in a location convenient for clients. Valcol has seen significant changes in forms of business communications, with a drive toward online services, but we have always endeavoured to maintain a human element through personal communication.

We have had many fine people through our doors – our staff, people in search of exciting new employment opportunities, and, of course, our clients, always seeking the best management and personnel available. It has been satisfying for us to see so many colleagues climb corporate ladders and reach the pinnacle of success, including national and regional business leaders who have gone on to achieve worldwide success and recognition.  We are happy to have maintained close relationships with many of them, who have remained loyal to the Valcol brand and all we stand for.

As we celebrate the achievements and successes of the past, we are cognisant of the future and what we must do to remain a leader in our field. A track record is only as good as the determination to continue going forward with equal fervour. While the current employment situation is not a positive one, Valcol looks forward to economic growth, development, and employment opportunities for everyone in the future.

In celebrating our 30th anniversary, Valcol is committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and revitalisation programme. We look forward to helping you shape your future!

Introduction

Dear Clients and Friends,

Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank many of you who have taken the time to email us offering best wishes as we enter our 30th Anniversary year. Many of you have highlighted the role we have played in your career development over the years. It's always a pleasure to hear of your success and what has occurred. Having you as part of our family always makes us proud as our passion and commitment remains steadfast today as it did back in 1985.  As Zimbabwe's leading and oldest talent acquisition search agent, we have shared many success stories in a tumultuous and often difficult job environment. Today we continue to play a substantive role and would like to congratulate those senior executives recently successfully placed in the following roles with our clients:

1. Financial Director - ZSE Listed Company
2. Regional Managing Director - Global Listed Player - FMCG
3. Chief Operating Officer - FMCG Sector - International Brand Name
4. Financial Director - Pan Africa Region - Global Name
5. Capital Funds Executive - Bank
6. Marketing Director - FMCG Sector
7. Financial Director - Media House
8. Executive Head and Admin Director - Manufacturing - Bulawayo
9. Managing Director - SBU - Large FMCG Group

And many other middle to senior personnel, achieving numerous placements across other professions! We would also like to welcome home a number of senior persons whom we have assisted in their relocation and placement. Welcome home!
We would like to remind applicants to update their file on a 6 month basis to ensure you are not left out with any roles on offer. As often stated not all our roles are advertised as first consideration is given to those persons on our database. Please remember to send us a note from time to time but you are NOT required to send a CV with each email.

Early winter is upon us and we hope the next few months will remain as busy as it has been over the last few. We look forward to hearing from you soon and thank you all for the amazing support over the past 5 months of 2015! Remember to stay positive as you search for work and always present yourself and CV in a positive manner. Please email colin@valcol.co.zw.

"Helping you shape your future"  

Sincerely

Colin Roberts - Managing Director

SPCA Appeal

SPCA Appeal - help volunteers are urgently required to adopt, walk, and play with animals at their Hatfield kennels over the weekends. The SPCA is also in dire need of donations in any form please contact Linda email address operations.harare@spca.org.zw for further details and do help a furry friend.