Our Code of Professional Practice
Our Code of Professional Practice has been created in collaboration with our network – going further to ensure all members conduct their business professionally, ethically and promote good practices.
Why join the REC?
REC Corporate membership offers access to our team of recruitment law specialists, as well as a comprehensive library of template contracts, policies and legal guides that cover all aspects of employment law.
We receive more than 15,000+ calls to our Legal Helpline each year - join as a Corporate member and help is only a phone call or email away.
- Template documents
- Factsheets and guides
- Legal FAQs
- Holiday pay calculator
- Legal helpline
- Monthly legal bulletin
Nurturing and empowering the industry is at the core of the work we do here at the REC, which is why we campaign on behalf of the UK's recruitment industry – representing your best interests at the highest levels of the government.
Our campaigns aim to promote good work and opportunities for individuals to progress, which in turn will drive skills, productivity, and business growth.
- Showing that good work and flexibility go hand in hand
- Demonstrating that brilliant recruitment is at the heart of economic growth
- Creating an environment where great recruiters thrive
- Taking a lead on the future of jobs
Members of the REC network are recognised for their professionalism and the value they provide to both clients and candidates – a standard we maintain through a dedication to compliance, ethics and professional standards.
We provide comprehensive support to ensure our members are compliant, including a dedicated Legal helpline, a team of compliance executives, compliance workshops and a range of guides.
We also offer the REC Audited scheme, which goes much further than just compliance, requiring agencies to follow best practice in areas such as customer service, staff development, diversity and client and candidate management.
- All REC Corporate members must pass a compliance test to join, and must repeat every two years to stay in membership
- REC members must comply with our Code of Professional Practice
- REC members can also choose to go through
- REC Audited Scheme for added security
- The REC investigates complaints against members
Our diverse range of business services mean we can support your business throughout its life cycle.
We take our responsibility as the industry's single destination for advice, guidance and support seriously – which is why we go further to provide the tools your business needs to succeed, including auditing services, mentoring, consultancy and even access to a range of business partners.
- Accredited business partners
- REC Audited/REC Audited Education
- Business consultancy and mentoring
- Specialist sector support
- Essential business tools
Being a member of the REC means being amongst the best.
Representing a network of more than 3,300 recruitment businesses and 10,500 individual recruiters gives us a unique insight that can help you grow.
Membership criteria
- You have been trading within the UK for at least a year, and are registered with Companies House
- Your business is owned or operated by one or more individuals with at least a year's experience in the recruitment industry, or you have completed the REC Start-up course
- You are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (for GDPR purposes)
- You agree to adhere to the REC Code of Professional Practice
Now more than ever, the REC is a reliable source of information, analysis and insight about the world of work. We are passionate about the growth and development of your recruitment business.
No matter what your aspirations are, we'll be there every step of the way.
Any UK recruitment agency can apply to join REC – as long as they meet the membership criteria.
Your membership fee will be based on your company turnover. There is a one-off joining fee, and then an annual membership subscription. You can pay this by quarterly direct debit or upfront by invoice, as suits your business model.
Setting up your own recruitment business?
Our three-day Start-up course provides everything you need to know to get your business off the ground, including your legal obligations as a UK recruitment business.
REC Member Handbook 2020
The greatest risk to any membership organisation is in failing to keep step with the changes that their customers are experiencing.
We know that recruitment is changing. And as the industry evolves, the REC must change too. Following extensive member and stakeholder consultation, we’ve rebranded and refocused our organisation so we can provide you with even better services.
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