New Board members appointed as recruitment industry readies for recovery

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is delighted to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board at a crucial time for the UK’s labour market.

The Board consists of independent experts who serve as non-executive directors at the REC. They bring their unique perspectives from a variety of private, public and not-for-profit backgrounds to offer objective thinking that helps inform the REC’s strategy and future development. This is especially critical at this time of radical and rapid change across the talent, recruitment and staffing landscape. The Board is currently comprised of 11 members, with half elected from the recruitment industry and other members appointed from outside the sector to bring a broader range of expertise and impartiality to the REC’s strategic focus.

The new Board members are:

• Sarah Ellis, co-founder of Amazing If.
• Hana Searson, Director of Talent, Culture and Capability at BT Group.
• Kevin Freeguard, former CEO of Gattaca PLC.

The new Board members have started work immediately. As well as their important governance role, they will help the REC continue to advocate for the importance of our industry in securing growth and being fundamental to the success of the UK economy.

Sarah Ellis (pictured right) is the co-founder of Amazing If, a company with a ‘mission to make careers better for everyone’. Prior to Amazing If, Sarah’s career included leadership roles at Barclays and Sainsbury’s before becoming Managing Director at creative agency Gravity Road. Sarah holds a number of non-executive positions supporting organisations who have a focus on making work better.

Commenting on her new position on the REC Board, Sarah said:

“Jobs and good work are something that matters to all of us: businesses, recruiters and jobseekers. That is why I am looking forward to working with, and learning from REC Chair, Michelle Mellor and the rest of the Board. The REC already does important work leading critical conversations and championing high standards across the sector. I am excited to see how I can support them to continue to deliver on their mission over the next three years.”

The other addition to the Board is Hana Searson, Director of Talent, Culture and Capability at BT Group (pictured left). Hana was previously Head of Culture at NatWest Group, and before that, Global Head of Culture and Behavioural Insights at Citigroup. Earlier in her career, Hana spent nine years at Barclays as Group Head of Talent and Executive Development, responsible for talent, succession, and leadership development.

Commenting on her new position on the REC Board, Hana said:

“I am so pleased to join the Board of the REC. It is a sector that has a huge impact on the UK economy and I am excited to be part of the conversation about what good work looks like in future, and how we shape a labour market that’s fit for the future, hopefully fairer, faster and more human.”

Kevin Freeguard has been appointed initially as an observer to the Board. Kevin is a seasoned Board and executive leader with a career covering sectors including recruitment, technology, manufacturing, and financial services. He recently served as CEO of Gattaca PLC, a specialist engineering and technology recruitment firm and has held senior leadership roles at organisations including Verifone Systems Inc, De La Rue, Siemens, and Motorola.

An observer on the Board is someone who attends board meetings and follows discussions, presentations and decision-making processes.

Commenting on his new role at REC, Kevin said:

“I am delighted to join the Board of the REC to support their continuing role as the professional body of the recruitment industry, especially at this critical time of change to employment rights, regulations and technological advancements. Recruitment has never been of such strategic significance to the world of work.”

REC Chair Michelle Mellor said:

“I congratulate Sarah, Hana and Kevin on joining the Board and know they will take the opportunity to add their expertise, enterprise and energy to our work. We have an excellent Board of all talents that can represent REC’s membership effectively to take advantage of the future direction of the market. I would like to thank our departing non-executive directors, Sakhila Mirza, now President of Responsible Gold, and Jane Rumble, Chief Executive at UKAD, for their considerable efforts on the Board and pass on REC’s best of wishes for the future.”

In 2020, members of the REC voted to approve REC Council recommendations on modernising how the REC is run. This included making space for a more diverse range of talent and experience, creating non-executive Director positions appointed from outside the recruitment industry.

Notes to editors

A full list of the members of the board is available on the REC website.