A journey of leadership and impact: Reflecting on my term as REC Chair - Sarah Thewlis

Reflections on my time as Chair of REC

I stood as a candidate for Chair in September 2020. It seems strange to think back to that time. We had just finished the first national lockdown, we were in the middle of local lockdowns, and the prospect of a workable vaccine for the pandemic was still some way off. It was an unprecedented time. There have been more unprecedented times since.

I wanted to make the following things happen:

• ensure we supported the regions and the four nations,
• make sure we made progress on Diversity and Inclusion,
• continue building up a positive reputation for the industry,
• make REC membership the jewel in the crown and the first choice for recruiters.

I also wanted to make sure that the new governance arrangements, with a smaller board and professional and lay members, would be effective and provide leadership and scrutiny to the executive.

Despite Covid and the lockdowns, we have made progress in all these areas. I had hoped to spend some time visiting regions and the four nations, but sadly this was not possible to the extent I had hoped. But the contact that I have has been very positive. The two award evenings we were able to have were brilliant: the energy, excitement and showcasing opportunities of those events are hard to describe, but they very much demonstrated recruitment as it's optimistic best. We have made steady progress on Diversity and Inclusion and it’s good to see the plans going forward.

The area where we have made the most progress is the industry’s positive reputation. During the pandemic, it was fantastic to see how recruiters were supporting logistics, the NHS, social care, the vaccine rollout, education and IT. The list goes on. There were so many examples of how members were able to make a difference by pivoting business to support the national community. The REC has increasingly become a go-to voice on key people issues, and our impact has grown significantly. Our Recruitment and Recovery report in 2021, for example, opened a wide range of new discussions - not just with governments and the media, but also with the wider business community.

Research shows that our industry is estimated to have added —directly, indirectly and by induced impact— £86 billion in gross value added across the British economy. That is the equivalent of 4.3% of GDP, around the same contribution as management consultancy and more than accountancy or law. Someone finds a permanent role through a recruitment agency every 21 seconds. So, it’s necessary and it’s good that our voice should be heard and heeded. Political and governmental change over the next 12 months is very likely, but I know that the REC will continue to make our presence felt.

Corporate membership continues to thrive, with over 90% of members renewing each year. It’s good to see that people value what REC does. We still have some development work to do with individual membership but again plans are in place.

Though there is still work to do, the new governance structure is settling well. The Board is where healthy and robust discussions take place. I am very grateful to my fellow members both past and present for their active contribution to this. My successor Michelle Mellor has been part of that governance journey and I know that she will do a great job as the new Chair. Her commitment to the recruitment industry and its role is impressive. I have witnessed first-hand her passion, thoughtfulness and integrity. I leave the Board in great hands.

Having myself been a CEO, I know how the relationship between the Chair and Chief Executive is crucial to any governance structure. I want to thank Neil Carberry for his competence, professionalism and humour. It has been a delight to work with him and a privilege to be supported by him. The same is true of his senior leadership team, whose strength and capability has constantly been growing. The new governance structure has given them the opportunity to show their skills and at the same time enable the Board to provide appropriate input and scrutiny.

The past three years have been different from what I expected. We have had to face unexpected challenges —Covid, the cost of living crisis and the fallout from the war in Ukraine. But I have found my time in the office very rewarding. I have had a unique chance to serve an industry that makes such a difference to the economy and to individuals. It has been a privilege, and I thank you for having given me has been such an opportunity.

A journey of leadership and impact: Reflecting on my term as REC chair :: The REC