The public sector is struggling to recruit and retain talented directors, managers and specialist level staff.

According to a new study, 58% of public sector leaders have identified a talent shortage of senior managers and 54% say that they struggle to attract candidates at management level.

However, 62% blamed internal structures for not developing enough in-house talent.

This may not be surprising considering that 68% of public sector managers confess to relying on gut feeling when choosing star performers.

The survey of 1,500 leaders in the public and private sectors, by Veredus and the Society of Chief Personnel Officers, warned that organisations must act now on talent management.