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REC programme creates inspired motivated managers for recruitment investment firm

Recruitment consultants and team leaders are being developed into extraordinary leaders and motivated managers in a unique assessment centre and training programme run by the REC for corporate member the Recruitment Investment Group (RIG). 

The programme has been so successful it has earned the REC, the professional body representing the UK’s £26.6 billion, private recruitment industry, a place in the finals of the National Training Awards 2008. 

Andrew Carr, the REC’s Head of Training, describes why the Extraordinary Leadership Programme (ELP) was developed. 

“RIG is a recruitment industry investment company, offering franchising their brand nationally to individuals wishing to invest in recruitment companies operating in niche temporary recruitment work markets, such as social care, vets and police. 

“RIG provides the security of a brand name and back office services allowing entrepreneurs to concentrate on business development and relationship building. 

“But RIG wanted to increase market share and become market leaders, and that would involve developing staff competence to manage and grow the business, raising professional and ethical standards within the organisation, formalising succession planning and developing individuals into motivated managers. 

“After ELP training, individuals are able to financially analyse and develop business; manage, retain and increase the business base, increase team/personal performance and motivation and business effectiveness, responsiveness and profitability.”                                      

Training is delivered to 12 delegates over four days over six weeks in September and October each year. It covers such areas as managing time and stress; establishing coaching and personal development cultures; leading conscientiously with enthusiasm and inspiration; delegating  tasks and motivating others; monitoring and developing performance targets and developing effective team communication. 

The course also covers managing conflict, using innovation in business planning, developing business finance and budgetary awareness and establishing solutions to business dilemmas. As part of the course delegates are set a project to save or make their business £50,000.  

In the past two years, 24 people have attended the programme and there are six scheduled to attend this year. Before starting the ELP, a self-assessment form is completed by delegates. It asks the individual to assess themselves against 15 competencies that were established by directors of RIG. Their line manager and the individual agree this and sign the self-assessment form.  

Jerome Kalan, HR director of RIG, said: “Being a very target driven, fast paced sales organisation, high level sales activity and closing deals is critical. We’ve seen marked improvement in several team leaders. During ELP Darren Clark’s team had 44 contractors working. Sixteen months later they have 140 – 250 per cent increase. Darren wholeheartedly attributes his success to the programme.”