Cyber security is no longer just an IT issue. It’s a board-level commercial risk. At #RECLive26, Seb Maley, CEO of Qdos, highlighted why recruitment leaders need to take data security seriously as they introduce more AI tools. Recruitment businesses hold valuable personal data. Knowing what you hold, where it sits, who can access it and what happens if something goes wrong is essential. Innovation brings opportunity. But without clear governance, staff training and an incident response plan, it also brings risk. Watch Seb’s highlight for practical advice on protecting your business — and explore more insights from RECLive26. 👉 View the RECLive26 highlights:👉 bit.ly/4ya0ZlB

Better pay for young people matters, but wage increases must not reduce opportunities to enter work. A new survey found 48% of employers expect higher costs if the minimum wage gap narrows further. Our response: bit.ly/481QGUJ

Sometimes, the most useful conversations happen when you get a room of recruitment leaders together. That’s been the focus of our recent Member Roundtables and REC-TRN Member Meetups: sharing market insight, discussing the changes affecting recruitment businesses and learning from people facing similar challenges. From understanding the latest industry developments to exploring how AI and changing regulation affect the way we work, these sessions offer space to ask questions, exchange ideas and hear different perspectives. There’s still time to join us before the end of the year. Come along to your local meetup and be part of the conversation. Find an upcoming event and book your place:👉 bit.ly/4sJIhOe A big thank you to the business partners who joined us at these events and helped bring members together for valuable discussions and shared insight: EBC Global, Marsh Commercial and meetDWIGHT.

Considering a bid for the Value Match framework? Join our webinar to find out who can bid and what the tender will involve. 📅 27 October, 15:00–16:00 | Online Exclusive to REC Corporate members. Book: bit.ly/4BhxH6b #EducationRecruitment

🎯 Big learning impact. Bite-sized convenience. The REC Academy brings you flexible, self-curated training to fit around your busy schedule. Whether you're starting out or leading a team, there’s expert content ready for you — included in your Corporate Membership. Make sure your team is making the most of it! 🌟 👉 Get started here: bit.ly/4qGPDBv #RECAcademy #RecruitmentTraining #InvestInYourTeam

We had a positive day joining REC members at today’s DWP Jobs Fair in Nottingham and spoke with Employment Minister Andrew Western about helping young people into work and our work with Maximus connecting Restart participants with vacancies.

Plans to get young people into work will fall short unless employers can afford to hire. We’re calling on the Chancellor to cut employer National Insurance and back flexible routes into work at the Budget. Read more: bit.ly/3VR2HJQ #FutureofWork

Does the job really need a degree? Indeed’s Matthew Burney joins Maxine Bligh to discuss apprenticeships, transferable skills and how employers can recognise potential in our latest #TalkingRecruitment podcast Listen: bit.ly/491w1jK

Recruiting in health and social care? Join our Sector Group meeting for legal and policy updates, expert insight and discussion with fellow recruiters. 📅 18 November, 13:00–15:00 📍 REC, London Free for REC members. Book: bit.ly/4hTNxe2

📌 Build your credibility as an in-house recruiter with the Level 3 Certificate in In-House Recruitment (CertIHR). This industry-recognised qualification is tailored specifically for in-house recruitment professionals and has already helped individuals across sectors like tech, healthcare, engineering and public services take their careers to the next level. The enrolment deadline for the February exam is 12 November. Enrol now and be qualified in 2027!🚨👉bit.ly/3IT6BID #RECQualifications #CertIHR

🪄The guest list is up to you... Your hardest-working colleague? Invite them. Your best client? Bring them along. The team that’s kept everything moving through a demanding year? They’ve earned their place. The REC Awards 2026 are about recognising the people behind recruitment’s success — and your table is an opportunity to bring those people together for a night worth celebrating. Join us on 5 November at the InterContinental London – The O2, with Ben Hanlin hosting the evening. You choose the guests. We’ll take care of the occasion. Book your table now. 👉bit.ly/4ezmN0R #RECAwards #RECAwards2026

our concerns about potential curbs on non-compete clauses were reported by BBC News on Friday. Reforms must balance labour market flexibility with protecting businesses’ investment in people and innovation. Read our response: bit.ly/4yL477q

💫THE #RECAWARDS LOOKBOOK IS HERE. With less than a month to go, we thought it was time to take some inspiration from the people who know how to do Awards night properly. Statement looks. Classic suits. Serious glamour. And plenty of outfits that say this isn’t just another night out. So, what will you be wearing to the REC Awards 2026? One thing we do know: the perfect outfit deserves the perfect table. Join us on 5 November at the InterContinental London – The O2, bring your team and clients, and make a night of it. 🚨Outfit inspiration: sorted. Now get your table booked. 👉bit.ly/4ezmN0R #RECAwards #RECAwards2026

📅 Save the date: our next REC Education Sector Group meeting is on 11 November. Join fellow education recruiters and REC experts to discuss the latest issues affecting the sector, share experiences and hear the latest policy and legal updates. 📍 REC, London 🕐 13:00–15:00 Book now: bit.ly/4y7knhQ More details coming soon.

This month’s #ReportOnJobs showed a slight improvement in UK hiring activity. 🔹 Permanent placements rose for a second month 🔹 Temp billings increased again 🔹 Pay pressures eased 🔹 Staff availability continued to rise sharply 🔹 Demand for workers fell, but at the slowest rate in over two years 🔗bit.ly/4yEa2Lq

AI isn’t the answer to everything. And according to James Osborne, Chairman of The Recruitment Network, it’s only one part of a much bigger picture. Speaking at #RECLive26, James challenged recruitment businesses to look beyond the AI hype. The organisations doing best are either doubling down on what they’re already exceptionally good at — because the market still needs it — or fundamentally reinventing themselves. The danger? Sitting somewhere in between. AI brings changes to technology, but also to people, culture, commission structures and the way businesses operate. 👉 Watch James’ highlight and explore the RECLive26 highlights:👉 bit.ly/4ya0ZlB

“Suddenly those people who were reluctant actually become your greatest change agents.” Our incoming Bev White explains why AI testing should involve your sceptics as well as your enthusiasts on our latest #TalkingRecruitment podcast 🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4iQNBO1

What’s your next career goal? The recruitment industry keeps changing — and staying ahead means continuing to build your knowledge, skills and professional expertise. REC Qualifications are designed to help recruitment professionals strengthen their knowledge, build confidence and gain recognised professional accreditation at different stages of their career. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, progress into a new role or demonstrate your commitment to professional standards, there’s a qualification to help you take the next step. Explore REC Qualifications and find the right next step for your career.👉bit.ly/3IT6BID

We welcome the Shadow Chancellor’s focus on tax simplification and youth employment. Simpler off-payroll rules could help businesses. A long-term workforce plan must involve recruiters. Read our response: bit.ly/4rU3aXJ #Recruitment #YouthEmployment

YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT IT AFTERWARDS. OR YOU COULD BE THERE. In one month, the #RECAwards2026 will bring the recruitment industry together for a night of recognition, celebration and moments you won’t want to experience second-hand. The winners will be announced live. The speeches will happen in the room. Your team, clients and industry peers will all be there — and Ben Hanlin will be bringing his magic to the stage. Whether you’re celebrating a shortlist, rewarding your team, entertaining clients or simply want to be part of recruitment’s biggest night, now is the time to secure your table. 5 November | InterContinental London – The O2 One month to go. Book your table today and make sure you’re in the room when the winners are revealed. 👉bit.ly/4ezmN0R #RECAwards #Recruitment #RecruitmentIndustry #RecruitmentAwards #TeamCelebration #RecruitmentProfessionals