History of the REC
The REC, as the custodians of recruitment industry representation, is proud to celebrate a heritage of high standards spanning the last 80 years. The history of the modern REC has its roots in the London Employment Agencies Federation (LEAF), 80 years ago, and we are delighted on behalf of the industry to have a history that mirrors the development and growth of recruitment over 8 decades, with a variety of incarnations that bring us right up to date with the modern day REC.
From the economic depressions of the early 20th century, through the modern day global recession - the REC and its earlier forms has provided world class support, direction and guidance that has helped ensure that the UK has the 2nd largest recruitment economy in the world.
We are delighted to be the custodians of this heritage, and we celebrate with anticipation this continued and developing representation of our successful recruitment industry for the next 80 years.
The Recruitment & Employment Confederation was formed in January 2000 as the result of a merger of two long-established bodies in the recruitment industry - The Federation of Recruitment and Employment Services (FRES) and the Institute of Employment Consultants (IEC). The reasons for the merger were simple:
Below is a brief summary of the journey which led to formation of the REC:
In 1930 a group of employment agencies formed the London Employment Agencies Federation (LEAF) adopting an oak leaf as its emblem. This gradually extended its membership outside London and eventually changed its name to the Employment Agencies Federation (EAF).
In 1960 the EAF appointed its first general-secretary, Major Donald Cropper. Donald Cropper established regional activities in the Federation and was responsible for many campaigns on behalf of the industry. In 1972 the Federation incorporated as the Federation of Personnel Services of Great Britain. When Donald Cropper retired in 1979, he was awarded the OBE for his services to the industry.
Meanwhile in 1963, the Institute of Employment Consultants, (IEC) was established as “a voluntary association of individuals from the employment consultancy profession and professions of like nature”. Its purpose was to enhance the knowledge, skills and reputation of its members and as such gained charitable status for the purposes of education.
In 1984, the Federation of Personnel Services became the Federation of Recruitment and Employment Services and under the guidance of its Chief Executives, Leonard Allen and subsequently Christine Little, the following years saw a dramatic increase in membership particularly with the rapid growth in the industry from a turnover of £3billion in 1993 to £23billion in 2003.
Increasing co-operation between FRES and the IEC led Christine Little and the Chief Executive of the IEC Sue Smith to begin talks of a merger and in January 2000, the IEC and FRES joined forces to become the REC and Tim Nicholson was appointed the new Chief Executive.
The mission of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation - “to be recognised as the informed choice of the recruitment community, influencing government and business today for the benefit of Members and the employment market of tomorrow" - encompasses all that the REC stands for as the largest trade body within the recruitment industry. Lobbying had become a crucial element of the work of the organisation following the election of the Labour Government in 1997 and the adoption of the Social Chapter bringing with it a raft of employment legislation from Brussels.
In January 2003 Gareth Osborne replaced Tim Nicholson as Chief Executive overseeing the expansion of the range of activities and services provided by the REC for its members. Innovations included the launch of a Degree in Recruitment Practice, the Recruitment Industry Taskforce for Enterprise helping fledgling recruitment businesses; and the establishment of an industry research unit to provide much needed data on the industry in the UK.
In August 2006 Gareth decided to move on and Marcia Roberts, his Deputy Chief Executive, was appointed in his place. Unfortunately, Marcia was forced to step down just 9 months later due to ill-health but even in that short space of time she stamped her mark on the REC with the bold move of introducing an enforcement team in 2007 to ensure the compliance of its members with legislation and a strengthened Code of Practice.
Marcia was the driving force behind the REC’s Diversity Pledge launched in conjunction with Jobcentre Plus in November 2005 to which hundreds of members signed up to give their support to the concept of ethical recruitment. It was partly in recognition of this ground-breaking initiative that Marcia was given an MBE in 2009.
After an in-depth and lengthy search for a successor, Kevin Green started as CEO on 2nd June 2008. During the search Helen Reynolds was the Acting CEO. Before starting at the REC, Kevin worked for Royal Mail from 2003 to 2008. In 2004 Kevin became HR Director for Royal Mail Letters where he was responsible for all people-related issues for a business with 165,000 employees. There, he was also part of the leadership team which transformed the business from losing £1 million a day in 2003 to making over £600 million profit in 2007.
Since Kevin's appointment the REC has sought to put the member at the centre of all activity. This has included introducing an account management system and extending sector groups. Midway through 2009 the REC Individual Membership was re-launched as the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP).
In November 2009 the REC held its first major conference and awards ceremony for many years and following the success of this event, the REC Convention and IRP Awards ceremony is now held annually. In 2012 the REC will play host to the CIETT International Confederation of Private Employment Agencies (CIETT) World Employment Conference in London.
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