After eight years at the helm of the REC, this week we're saying farewell to @RECNeil as he moves on to the CIPD. Neil has led the REC and our members through some of the most challenging and defining moments our industry has faced. He has been an inspirational leader and his energy, optimism and determination have left a lasting mark on our organisation. While we're sad to see him go, we're delighted that he'll continue to champion the talent industry in his new role and wish him every success for the future. Neil leaves the REC in good hands, with Maxine Bligh stepping in as Interim CEO before we welcome Louise Hanson later this year. Thank you Neil for everything you've done for the REC, our members and the wider recruitment industry. You'll be greatly missed!

If you’ve been thinking about becoming REC qualified but aren’t sure which qualification is right for you, how the studying works or what you’ll get from it, our Virtual Open Day is a great place to start. Join our qualifications experts and an experienced tutor on 29 September to explore your options, understand what’s involved and get your questions answered live. 29 September | 12:00–13:00 | Online | Free to attend Book your complimentary place today. 👉bit.ly/4zA4ORO

The government cannot simply wish agency workers away. Cutting agency use without tackling NHS workforce shortages risks putting further pressure on services. We’re calling for partnership with compliant, regulated agencies to protect patient care. Read more: bit.ly/3VnLDuA

What do the latest NHS staffing data, health legislation and employment rights reforms mean for health recruiters? Join the discussion at the REC's next Health and Social Care Sector Group meeting. 🔹 NHS Bank shifts costing more than agency cover 🔹 The Health Bill and NHS Modernisation Bill 🔹 Employment Rights Act updates, including Guaranteed Hours proposals 📅 7 July 🕐 13:00–15:00 💻 Online 🎟 Free for REC members Register now: bit.ly/4vrzFNX

AI promises a lot. But where is it actually creating value? Next week at RECLive26, Georgina Huntley (ManpowerGroup), Dries De Coster (meet DWIGHT) and Alyx Peters (Network Recruitment Wales), alongside Maxine Bligh (REC) will tackle one of the biggest questions facing recruitment leaders today: What's working, what's not, and what's next? Expect honest discussion, practical examples and real-world insight from leaders who are navigating these challenges every day. If you're looking for less hype and more substance, this is a session you won't want to miss. 🎟️ RECLive26 takes place next week. Book your place now: bit.ly/4qVZBhE #RECLive26 #AIinRecruitment #RecruitmentLeaders

Flexible work protections must not come at the cost of jobs and opportunity. We’re urging the Government to take a practical approach to guaranteed hours proposals to avoid reducing hiring, limiting flexibility and pushing work into less regulated models. Read our response: bit.ly/4d8Z4W4

New FOI data raises serious questions about current NHS staffing policy. The findings show that in some NHS trusts, Bank shifts are costing significantly more than agency cover, challenging claims that reducing agency staffing automatically cuts costs. We’ve written to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee requesting an inquiry into the impact of current policy on costs, workforce planning and patient care. We’re also calling for an urgent review of NHS staffing policy, including greater engagement with regulated agency providers, as the NHS prepares its 10 Year Workforce Plan. Read more ⬇️ bit.ly/3R2QwHx

“The UK recruitment market is, I feel, still one of the leaders globally.” In the latest #TalkingRecruitment podcast, the REC’s Maxine Bligh is joined by Jurgen Jaarsma from People 2.0 and Ross Thompson from Infinity Staff Global to discuss: 🔹 International growth opportunities 🔹 Offshore hiring & global talent shortages 🔹 Flexible working expectations 🔹 Compliance & trusted partners 🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/491w1jK #RECPodcast

Patients will lose out due to a blind spot in the NHS staff survey. We’re calling on the NHS to include agency workers in the annual survey. Excluding them leaves a major gap in understanding workforce pressures and the impact on patient care. More: bit.ly/46XXWB0

The latest Labour Market Tracker shows a job market beginning to bounce back. Active job postings reached 1,435,910 in Jan 2026, up 3% on December and 0.6% year-on-year. Growth is strongest in IT, engineering, marketing and sales. But regional disparities remain. Find out more: bit.ly/4qNg7jS #LabourMarketTracker #LMT

“Doing nothing is not an option.” REC’s Lorraine Laryea explains exactly why recruiters must act now ahead of the April umbrella changes. These roadshows provide comprehensive tax and legal insight, plus practical, workable solutions you can take straight back into your business — from guiding consultants, to managing client conversations, to challenging and engaging umbrella companies with confidence. This is not a presentation. It’s a problem-solving workshop designed to help you mitigate risk, protect your business and prepare properly for what’s coming. The cost of getting this wrong could be significant. 📍 March dates – limited availability 🎟️ Book now before it’s too late bit.ly/4p5RRJ4

In a fast‑moving recruitment landscape, having trusted support behind your business matters more than ever. That’s why so many recruitment leaders choose the REC - for standards that build credibility and set you apart, insight that keeps you ahead of change and advice that helps you lead with confidence. See what REC Corporate Membership can unlock for your organisation 👉 ow.ly/uFi650YgF05 #MembershipThatMatters #Recruiters #Standards