Rec Scale Up Podcast

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Alex Arnot, board advisor for 35 companies and creator of Founderz. They discuss the barriers, the mistakes and the successes that stop recruitment owners and their business from thriving. In this episode you’ll hear about: The top 3 challenges we see facing recruitment owners today. Our top 3 tips that recruitment owners should implement to help them accelerate their company’s revenue, profit and shareholder value. The most common things that stop recruitment owners from achieving a successful exit.

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Raj Lal, Senior Director of Commercial UK at Totaljobs. They discuss the impact of uncertain times on the young workforce and the factory driving candidates to relocate for viable work opportunities. In this episode you’ll hear about: The latest findings from the Totaljobs Hiring Trends Index The impact Covid has had on the aspirations of young people The current difficulty facing businesses when hiring entry-level talent The factors leading candidates to consider relocating for a better career/ lifestyle

In this episode Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to John Kiernan, Employer engagement and network manager at the Centre for Ageing Better. They discuss reducing age bias and enabling recruiters to start the conversation. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How to reduce age bias in the recruitment process. How the original GROW research report and checklist has been revised and updated by a working group of HR professionals to reflect today’s changing labour market How to talk about flexible working with candidates during the recruitment process. How supporting tools are available to equip recruiters to enable an inclusive workforce.

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Gareth Parry, Programme Director for Employability at Maximus. They discuss the current labour marketing and how we as recruiters can think differently about the recruitment process to enable all to succeed. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How the Maximus restart scheme is blossoming through the partnership with the REC. How the current labour market challenges are impacting employment How recruiters should start to think differently about the recruitment process to better engage with the long-term unemployed. How closing the Disability employment gap through support available to employers and disabled jobseekers can foster a positive working environment for all. Key quotes “Our job at Maximus is to work with individuals, to give them the confidence to work, to give them the transferable workplace skills, to be able to work and sometimes the vocational skills to do those jobs as well. We really prepare them properly for work

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Hung Lee, Recruitment expert and Curator of Recruiting Brainfood. They discuss the shift in recruitment practices due to the emergence of digital platforms and the skills recruiters will need in the new world of technology. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The influence emerging digital platforms and social media has on recruitment. The key skills of a recruiter in this new world. What the Brainfood community is highlighting about the direction of travel

n this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Emily Summerhayes, Director at Hoop Recruitment. They discuss the importance and critical impact that forming lasting relationships can have on recruiters' success in the sector. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The importance of forming relationships throughout the recruitment process and the impact it has on the overall success of talent acquisition. The reason why technology won’t replace recruiters and the unique value human recruiters bring to the table. How truly knowing your candidates and the knowledge it gives can provide a strategic advantage. The effective strategies that can be employed to cultivate successful relationships. How relationship building within the recruitment industry demonstrates resilience.

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Neil Curry, Sales Director at Target Recruit and REC business partner. They discuss the landscape technology offers, their challenges and the pathways businesses should take in the digital transformation journey. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The basics a company needs in place for success overseas related to technology infostructure How AI and Automation can be integrated into your technology stack to help the day to day. The risks and trends being seen in the market. Key Quotes “In what we’ve experienced with CRM systems and them essentially being the center of what agencies do but then think about what are the other technologies you have sitting around it? Do you have workforce management, do you have automation, do you have LinkedIn or job boards if you've got those then are they working in silo? Neil Curry “The technology strategy flows from business strategy and creating space and time to think about what your tech s

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Paul Sharpe and Miles Lloyd the founders of NorthStar People. They discuss recruitment process outsourcing (RPOs), managed service programmes (MSPs) and how to allow business leaders the headspace to fully embracethe professional development of the sector. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why everyone is talking about developing ‘consultative solutions. Are RPO / MSP solutions just for the big agencies? Where to start if you want to sell RPO/MSP solutions The biggest obstacles owners face during this time. The practice approach to developing an RPO solution. Key Quotes “The second interesting point when you're talking about customer relationships, 28% of recruitment owners have got a clear plan on how to build and maintain and develop the customer relationships, which means there are 72% that haven't. So, we'll know the importance of consultative selling and we'll think that's the North Star that we want to aim for.” Paul

Episode 13: Masterclass - Recruit - The Savage Way In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to legendary recruitment expert Greg Savage. They discuss the upcoming masterclass UK tour, and the insights recruiters can expect to digest in the sessions. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The insights recruiters can expect to find out about at the upcoming masterclass. The specific skills recruiters should focus on developing in a rapidly changing world. What attendees can learn and take away from the sessions. The importance of recruiters investing in their own professional development through training and learning opportunities. Key Quotes “It's the soft skills that are actually hard in our business and they haven't been taught....The relationship building, the managing of situations, the creating of outcomes, the sophisticated influencing skills, which frankly was what recruitment was before technology came along and will continue to be. “Greg “The book, I mean the book is

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Hannah Slaughter, a senior economist at the Resolution Foundation. Hannah discusses labour market enforcement, its importance and how it can be improved to drive standards. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why labour market enforcement is an important issue for both workers and employers. The strengths and weaknesses of the labour market rights which are currently enforced in the UK. The current landscape of labour market rights. The proposals for how labour market enforcement can be improved in the years ahead.

In this episode, Kate Shoesmith, REC Deputy CEO, talks to Josh Gitman and Miranda Ashley, both Co-founders of LGWS a US based provider of solutions for onboarding & paying contractors. Josh and Miranda discuss how to navigate expansion into the US recruitment market and what success in the US looks like. LGWS is a US based Employer of Record servicing international recruitment companies. In just a few clicks we onboard, pay, and manage compliance for your contractors and internal employees. In this episode, we explore: What do foreign recruitment firms need to be aware of when expanding into the US market? How do various laws and regulations differ from the UK to the US? What industries are hot in the US within the temp/contract staffing market? Key Quotes “The US is a huge market that's got huge potential, but it's also a huge country. There are 50 states almost operating as 50 separate countries. It's a bit like Europe and the expectation is that you would know the rules and regulati

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Mark Kieve, CEO at Pixid UK & Ireland. Mark discusses the challenges and opportunities that have arisen due to economic shifts, changes in employment trends, skills shortages and high inflation. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How the impact of the current UK contingent staffing landscape has shifted the recruitment sector. How staffing firms can leverage market conditions to provide tailored services to their clients. How recruiters can stay ahead of the curve by leveraging technology and industry networks. Key Quotes “Skill shortages are being heightened by a significant increase in the number of people out of the workforce due to long-term sickness. This includes, you know, mental health and long COVID.” Mark “Change of demographics of the foreign nationals constitute to 12% of the UK workforce... and the pool of all country nationals applying to come to work in the UK in 2022, there are a total of 423,000 work visas gra

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Helen Tomlinson, Head of Talent Development at The Adecco Group and the UK’s first-ever Menopause Employment Champion, as appointed by the Department for Work and Pensions. Helen shares her experiences of supporting women across the recruitment industry and how, in her new role as Menopause Employment Champion, she is working with employers to better support and retain women through perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The importance of supporting women through perimenopause & menopause in the recruitment industry. How supporting women through perimenopause & menopause periods in their life is linked to retaining women in the workforce more broadly. How has Adecco developed their Women’s Health strategy to support their female workforce? Key Quotes ”I've lost count of the number of women that I've spoken to who had really senior roles in the organisation and felt that they've got no alternative but t

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, interviews Chris Fletcher, GM LSIP and Policy Director at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. They provide an insight into how the local skills improvement plan is being implemented in the Greater Manchester area, what the local skills improvement plan enables and how it’s different from previous plans. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why the current local skills improvement plan (LSIP) is different from other skills plans and how it enables the local economy to flourish. What work has been done so far in the Greater Manchester area and the plans that they have going forward. How the LSIPs fit with the Greater Manchester Devolution Deal and the Mayor’s plan for an integrated technical skills city region. How the learning gained in Greater Manchester can be applied elsewhere.

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, interviews Sarah O'Connor, Correspondent and columnist at the Financial Times. They discuss how technology, wellbeing and the impact of freedom of movement have created challenges for the workforce and employers. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The top challenges facing individual employees and businesses in today's workforce. The innovative approach that can be prioritised by the government, opposition, and anyone looking to foster a positive and supportive work environment. How businesses can successfully navigate industrial relations to improve employee satisfaction and productivity Key Quotes “There is video technology used in order to interview candidates... where no human will review the video either and artificial intelligence will decide whether that person is a good fit or not for the job based on the words they say, sometimes even on their tone of voice or their facial expressions!” Sarah “There's a little bit about m

In this episode Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, interviews Dr. Fiona Aldridge, Head of Insight and Intelligence in the Economic Delivery, Skills and Communities Directorate at West Midlands Combined Authority. They discuss the biggest challenges associated with local and regional skills shortages. In this episode, you’ll hear more about: The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) implemented by the West Midlands Combined Authority. How the collaboration between businesses, education providers, and policy stakeholders can help to address this skills issue. How additional funding for skills boot camps will benefit the local community and businesses in the region. The biggest challenges facing local and regional approaches to skills development. Key Quotes “The vacancies we have at the minute aren't skills shortages they're labour market shortages” Fiona This is your opportunity to show that recruiters who are deeply embedded in the areas … are a part of how we address candidate supply and

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive interviews Steve Johnson, Growth Leader of Commercial Workplace Savings at Mercer Marsh. They discuss the key requirements needed by employers to retain, engage and motivate employees. In this episode, you’ll hear more about: The challenges being seen by SME businesses and the need to adapt to change, including the impact of the great resignation The specific issues/shifts being seen around the attraction, retention and motivation of employees. How the benefits package offered is relative to employee physical and psychological well-being. How salary exchange and employee benefits education can help businesses support their employees without breaking the bank. Key Quotes “Running into the pandemic, it was much more about the psychological and employees wanting recognition and what we're finding now is all about the well-being agenda.” Steve “I think as employers we're going to start thinking more about well-being and what’s the wel

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive interviews Suhail Mirza, Non Executive Director at Newcross Healthcare and a global speaker and coach on inner wellness. They discuss wellbeing in the workplace in high pressured roles, the need to step back and assess how to maintain healthy practices and how to help individuals to flourish. Tune in to hear about: * The challenges and opportunities that we are now facing post pandemic * How to promote and facilitate a better culture in the workplace, and the need to eliminate toxic working cultures, micromanagement and the stigmatisation of those facing mental health challenges * Working smarter so that individuals are maintaining wellbeing in an environment where we’re adapting to the fast-paced nature of the workforce.

In this episode, Neil Carberry interviews Samantha Beggs, our very own Campaigns and Government Relations Manager at the REC. They discuss the politics, economics and labour market drivers that will be informing Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget announcement on 15 March. In this episode, you’ll hear more about: The challenges the Chancellor will face around how to balance the books in light of reduced government spending, while boosting growth and providing support. How we obtain growth in the UK economy and what we need to do to get there, and what levelling up really means for local communities. The solutions the REC are taking to Government on behalf of the UK recruitment industry, and how we go about positioning a market that contributes over £42 billion to UK GDP a year.

Guest speaker: • Ed Thompson, CEO and Founder, Uptimize Our recent research in partnership with neurodivergent training experts Uptimize revealed some astonishing findings about the state of neuroinclusive recruitment in the UK. We surveyed REC members to understand the level of awareness of neuroinclusive recruitment practices within organisations. Here are some key findings: • Only 30% of recruiters in our study have knowingly placed neurodivergent candidates. • Almost 80% of respondents said they had received no training on neuroinclusive recruitment and only 20% understood how to conduct a neuroinclusive interview. • 70% of recruiters believe there is high potential in untapped neurodiverse talent pool. So, what does it take to become a neuroinclusive recruiter? What practical steps can leaders take to drive the movement? We spoke to Ed Thompson, CEO of Uptimize to guide us through this unexplored area of recruitment which could hold the key to tackling the ongoing skills shortages. You'll hear about