Rec Scale Up Podcast

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry speaks with Etan Bernstein, Co-founder and Head of Ecosystem at the Velocity Network Foundation. They go beyond the hype on how AI is truly impacting the talent acquisition market, what verifiable credentials (VCs) are, and their potential impact. In this episode, we cover: What verifiable credentials are and what makes them unique or special. How VCs address the challenges posed by AI that were discussed earlier. The combined value of AI and VCs in transforming talent acquisition

Our first episode of the Talking Recruitment podcast for 2025 hears from a speaker that truly does what they love and ensures it creates a difference for the future. Bev White, Chief Executive Officer of Nash Squared sits down with Kate Shoesmith, REC Deputy CEO to chat about her career journey, the importance of personalisation and prioritising human involvement in any business. We also discuss how recruitment businesses should be leveraging the transformative impact of AI and automation while understanding the impact it is having on our future talent demands.

In the final episode of 2024, the REC’s formidable duo, Neil Carberry and Kate Shoesmith, sit down to look back at the highlights, the political shifts, the challenges, and how we have supported members throughout the year. They’ll go on to talk about what’s in store for 2025 from the REC and how we are making the sector’s voice heard.

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Mark Kieve, CEO of UK & Ireland of REC business partner Pixid Group. They discuss the importance of compliance in an evolving world, navigating the challenges of cross-border staffing and leveraging technology. In this episode, we discuss: Agility, scalability, and flexibility: in uncertain times, the ability to scale staffing solutions quickly with pay-as-you-go models helps businesses stay adaptable and minimise upfront costs. Cross-border contingent staffing: successfully navigating the challenges of cross-border staffing requires understanding local laws and leveraging technology to manage diverse talent pools efficiently. The recent acquisition of VectorVMS: the acquisition of VectorVMS by Pixid group strengthens its position in the UK staffing industry by enhancing its technology and offering more streamlined contingent workforce solutions.

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Gemma Downing and Chris Mapp, Co-owners of REC member, Mixxos Group. They discuss their business journey and how driving standards as a recruitment agency has empowered them to aim higher. In this episode, we discuss: How Mixxos has grown in terms of people, technology, and personal branding. How they balance business success with charity, community, and local presence. How standards are upheld to allow them to choose the right partners. How to deliver consultative client service and unmatched candidate care. How Mixxos has integrated EDI into their daily operations, from internal policies to client interactions.

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Karen Young, Social Purpose Lead at Hays, about how recruitment companies can find and embrace their social purpose. They discuss the increasing significance of purpose in the recruitment sector and its influence on attracting and supporting talent. Key topics include: The vital role of social purpose in recruitment and how companies can adapt and progress. How to attract purpose-driven talent by aligning recruitment strategies with the values of the next generation. Strategies to enhance skills development and create more opportunities for under-represented groups and the communities recruitment firms serve.

In this episode, Neil Carberry talks to Giles Morgan, Founder and Managing Director of REC business partner Kahvay. Kahvay are a negotiation training, coaching and consulting provider, on-hand to help you become a skilled negotiator. They discuss the art of negotiation with a focus on the RAD (Relationship Awareness Demand) approach. Learn how to shift from selling to negotiating with confidence, understanding that negotiation is inherently a conflict that must be embraced, not avoided. In this episode, we discuss: The danger of selling during negotiations – understand how overselling can weaken your stance and why shifting into negotiation mode strategically is crucial. Embracing conflict in negotiation – discover why conflict is central to successful negotiations and how to use differences to drive agreements. The compass framework – learn to use advanced strategy to confidently navigate complex deals and maintain control.

In this episode, Neil Carberry talks to Andrew Tallents, Leadership Coach and Founder of Tallents Partnership. They discuss the importance of staying ahead of shifting client expectations and ensuring you retain top talent. In this episode, we discuss: What issues businesses can face when relying too heavily on outdated recruitment methods and failing to innovate The disvalue caused by paying lip service to diversity and inclusion without making meaningful change

In this episode, Kate Shoesmith talks to John Buyers, Partner and Head of the International AI team at Osborne Clarke. They discuss what makes artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) different from any other technology and how UK businesses should manage their own use of AI. We discuss: What makes artificial intelligence or machine learning different from any other technology? Should we be worried about it? What makes generative AI different? The EU is taking steps to regulate Artificial Intelligence systems through the EU Artificial Intelligence Act – is this something to be concerned about and how does the new regulation work? What the UK is doing to regulate AI How UK businesses should manage their own use of AI – steps for you to take now

In this episode, Neil Carberry talks to Shazia Ejaz, Campaigns and Insights Director here at the REC. They discuss our newest campaign ‘Voice of the worker’ and why temporary work is a vital part of today's labour market; driving economic growth and getting people into work. In this episode we discuss: Why #TempWorkWorks for individuals, for business and for the economy. Why it’s so important that temporary work isn’t jeopardised by any changes to employment rules How to get involved in the campaign and amplify the message

In this episode, Neil Carberry talks to Founders Gary Elden and CEO Dan Malka of Hire Genius, a cloud-based recruitment business toolkit provider which aims to help recruitment agencies of all sizes streamline their operations. They discuss the role and the opportunity for enhancing efficiency by using AI in recruitment. In this episode we discuss: AI's role in enhancing recruitment efficiency AI and bias mitigation in hiring The future of AI and human collaboration in recruitment

In this episode, Neil Carberry talks to Rhona Driggs, Chief Executive Officer of Empresaria. They discuss the global perspective on UK recruitment and what the primary differences are between the market in the UK and in other locations, like the US. In this episode we discuss: The profile of the Empresaria’s business and where it’s headed. The fundamentals of moving away from a transactional sale to a relationship-based one. How recruiters can manage clients’ expectations. Empresaria’s experience of driving this change and whether it required structural changes. How to build a more effective team to deliver in this world.

In this episode, Neil Carberry talks to Brad Shackleton, Motivational Sales & Leadership Coach. They discuss the current issues impacting new business growth in recruitment and how to get your team match-fit for winning new profitable clients and business. In this episode we discuss: The leadership challenges facing recruiters right now when winning new business The key sales performance challenges recruitment leaders are facing Why external coaching is so important for businesses to harness the power of their people

In this episode, we bring you a special edition of our Talking Recruitment podcast with REC campaigns and policy experts Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive and Kate Shoesmith, REC Deputy Chief Executive. They discuss the results of a momentous General Election, what it means and its impact on the UK recruitment industry and labour market.

In this episode, Maxine Bligh, Chief Membership & Innovation Officer steps in for Neil Carberry to talk to Peter Stoll from REC business partner Marsh Commercial. They discuss whether the economic climate is leading to clients' late payment of invoices and the potential risk of bad debts. In this episode we discuss: Are clients imposing more stringent terms due to factors like IR35, cyber risks, liability, and professional indemnity concerns? Are businesses encountering heightened risks due to Statement of Works contracts? How businesses can leverage insurance as a tool to protect against uncertainties in client engagements and contractual obligations.

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Gary Williams, Chief Commercial Officer from Welsh member New Directions. They discuss overcoming challenges and finding the right talent for the education sector within the devolved nation. In this episode you’ll hear about: How to overcome the top recruitment challenges HR leaders face today, including sourcing talent with the right skills, meeting candidates’ salary expectations, and addressing the growing competition for skilled workers. How technology in recruitment can be leveraged to address skills shortages

In this episode Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Sarah Wright, Director - Indirect Sales at REC business partner TotalJobs. They discuss the findings of the Hiring trends index produced by TotalJobs.

This podcast discusses mental health and suicide, which may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised. Seek support if needed. In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Mike Duma, advocate for mental wellbeing in the workplace and founder of Miindset, a personal wellbeing companion app. They discuss how destigmatise and highlight the importance of good mental health in a competitive workplace. In this episode you’ll hear about: Mike’s story and how the company Miindset was created Howorganisations can effectively destigmatise discussions about mental health in competitive workplaces How individuals can begin building resilience in their mental health journey, starting with the dismantling of societal stigma surrounding mental health How we can establish a comprehensive safety net for addressing mental health experiences, particularly focusing on intercepting individuals at the milder end of the spectrum and destigmatising mental health issues.

In this episode, Kate Shoesmith, Deputy CEO, steps in for Neil Carberry, to talk to Katie Maycock, Founder of Get Your Sh*t Together and GYST Wellbeing. They discuss the importance of wellbeing during times of high stress and high pressure all year around, not just during #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. In this episode we discuss: Why it's important for recruiters to take care of their well-being during times of high stress/pressure The warning signs that employee wellbeing is on the decline How someone can take care of their wellbeing during times of high stress What wellbeing encompasses

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Sharon Livermore MBE, Founder & DA Campaigner and Ayesha Fordham, Membership & Partnerships Manager at the Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse. They discuss the impact of domestic abuse on employees and the important role employers play to both victim and perpetrator. In this episode we discuss: The importance of raising awareness of domestic abuse and the impact it has on working life. The tools employers need to tackle domestic abuse experienced by employees. How external organisations like Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse can help support employers to share best practice and guidance.