Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The REC recognises that the recruitment industry sits at the heart of workplace equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). We are proud to work together with our staff and members towards an inclusive job market where everyone is safe and empowered to be truly themselves.

Our latest advice on equality, diversity and inclusion

The latest data tells a clear story: the implementation of inclusive recruitment practices among clients has increased since 2022 reaching an all-time high – presenting a strategic opportunity for recruiters.

Workplace inclusion is has become one of the have become central priorities for many UK employers but these efforts must extend beyond permanent staff. Staffing agencies and their clients face unique challenges in ensuring everyone benefits from inclusive practices.

Women in the UK are experiencing a remarkable surge in workplace happiness. However, a glaring exception exists: financial wellbeing. This disconnect raises critical questions about the factors influencing women's perceived financial security.

Relevant experience of career returners is often disregarded simply because of their career break. Our guidance will allow you to understand the value, the importance and the technique you need to showcase value to your clients and support career returners back into the labour market.

First episode of our essential video guide on LGBT+ inclusion in recruitment! You will hear from two of our members, Randstad and the Core Partnership. They share insights on the role of recruiters in eliminating LGBT+ discrimination.

Find out why equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is not just an ethical imperative but can also unlock a strategic advantage.

The GROW toolkit is designed to help organisations recognise the issues that age discrimination causes in the recruitment process and provide practical ways for employers to become more age inclusive.

All candidate pools are by definition neurodiverse, they contain people with naturally different brains (there is no one “normal” brain). This short guide provides an introduction.

Click here for our latest campaigns work on Equality Diversity & Inclusion

Unlock the power of inclusive recruitment – for your business, clients and candidates

Create and develop an EDI strategy and action plan that works for your business
Establish and improve partnerships with your clients
Win and retain high margin business
Attract and retain top talent for your recruitment business
Source exceptional candidates for your clients

Access the guide here

Talking Recruitment Podcasts on EDI

Listen to all Talking Recruitment Podcasts.

Our regular podcast features the leading thinkers from across the recruitment and business world, in conversation with REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry.

Meaningful action on equality, diversity and inclusion is a crucial aspect of building sustainable, responsible and profitable businesses. We have a curated an EDI-focused playlist to help guide the recruitment sector on this journey. The topics covered include:

Shaping your EDI strategy.
Championing inclusive recruitment during times of skills shortages.
Narrowing the disability employment gap.
How to promote more inclusive recruitment practices as an industry?
What does it take to become a neuroinclusive recruiter?

Talking Recruitment Podcasts · Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

How are we improving equality, diversity and inclusion at the REC?

EDI Lead Staff Committee Mental Health First Aiders

Our EDI lead is Dr Olga Frańczak. Olga works across all departments, from campaigns to product development, including internal EDI support and advice with the HR team. This work ensures that EDI is at the core of everything we do for our members, as well as staff.

Olga has been working on anti-discrimination issues since 2011. She has worked in international organisations, charities, universities, and private firms in the UK and abroad. Her experience includes working with survivors of hate crimes, gender-based violence and domestic abuse.

Olga has a master’s degree in law. In 2021, she received a PhD on gender stereotypes and their impact on the realisation of human rights.

Get in touch with Olga:

Our EDI Committee is a staff group which works closely with the EDI Programme Lead, the Head of Delivery and HR team to ensure that the REC is a safe, empowering, and inclusive place to work. While ensuring EDI at the REC is the responsibility of all staff, the committee functions as a resource and sounding board to raise the profile of EDI within the REC, and with our membership. The group provides feedback and makes recommendations for change to ensure that the REC strives for best practice.

All REC staff are welcome to join the EDI Committee. We aim for each team to have at least one representative in the committee to make sure that EDI is at the core of everything they that they do. The purpose of the EDI committee cannot be achieved without active engagement and time commitment from its members which are hugely appreciated.

At the REC we understand that equality, diversity, and inclusion are closely tied to mental health and wellbeing. Our Mental Health First Aiders are staff members trained in providing initial mental health support with any concerns colleagues have around their mental health.

We have a dedicated mental health inbox and where staff can ask for advice or perhaps just find someone to talk to. These conversations are kept confidential.Mental Health First Aiders also provide feedback and make recommendations for change to ensure that the REC supports employee wellbeing.

Visit our Mental Health Hub for more.