Most HR interim executives are finding it harder to find senior appointments since the start of the downturn, according to a survey of HR interim executives carried out by executive and interim search firm Green Park.

Of those who have found work, 35% feel they are increasingly being used to drive change or growth, a quarter found they were helping to generate new ideas and approaches.

However, 56% of respondents expected an increased demand for their skills in the next 12 months.

Jo Sweetland, head of HR at Green Park, says: “Over the course of thousands of HR assignments in the last decade, we’ve seen the gradual transition from ‘gap cover’ style interims to more strategic resources used to drive growth and fuel innovation. That’s a trend that will continue apace as the market gets more competitive and looks for ways to grow and differentiate.”