In this episode, Kate Shoesmith, Deputy CEO, steps in for Neil Carberry, to talk to Katie Maycock, Founder of Get Your Sh*t Together and GYST Wellbeing. They discuss the importance of wellbeing during times of high stress and high pressure all year around, not just during #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. 

In this episode we discuss: 

 

Why it's important for recruiters to take care of their well-being during times of high stress/pressure 

The warning signs that employee wellbeing is on the decline  

How someone can take care of their wellbeing during times of high stress  

What wellbeing encompasses

Episode 34: Thriving through turmoil: mastering wellbeing in high-stress times

In this episode, Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, talks to Gary Williams, Chief Commercial Officer from Welsh member New Directions. They discuss overcoming challenges and finding the right talent for the education sector within the devolved nation. 

In this episode you’ll hear about: 

How to overcome the top recruitment challenges HR leaders face today, including sourcing talent with the right skills, meeting candidates’ salary expectations, and addressing the growing competition for skilled workers. 

 

How technology in recruitment can be leveraged to address skills shortages

Episode 37: Talent talk: navigating education recruitment challenges

In this episode, Maxine Bligh, Chief Membership & Innovation Officer steps in for Neil Carberry to talk to Peter Stoll from REC business partner Marsh Commercial. They discuss whether the economic climate is leading to clients' late payment of invoices and the potential risk of bad debts. 

In this episode we discuss: 

Are clients imposing more stringent terms due to factors like IR35, cyber risks, liability, and professional indemnity concerns? 

Are businesses encountering heightened risks due to Statement of Works contracts? 

How businesses can leverage insurance as a tool to protect against uncertainties in client engagements and contractual obligations.

Episode 38: Navigating economic challenges: late payments, contract risks and insurance strategies

In this episode, Neil Carberry talks to Rhona Driggs, Chief Executive Officer of Empresaria. They discuss the global perspective on UK recruitment and what the primary differences are between the market in the UK and in other locations, like the US. 

In this episode we discuss: 

The profile of the Empresaria’s business and where it’s headed. 

The fundamentals of moving away from a transactional sale to a relationship-based one. 

How recruiters can manage clients’ expectations. 

Empresaria’s experience of driving this change and whether it required structural changes. 

How to build a more effective team to deliver in this world.

Episode 41: Global recruitment insights: Transforming relationships and expectations in the UK.

In this episode, Neil Carberry talks to Founders Gary Elden and CEO Dan Malka of Hire Genius, a cloud-based recruitment business toolkit provider which aims to help recruitment agencies of all sizes streamline their operations. They discuss the role and the opportunity for enhancing efficiency by using AI in recruitment. 

In this episode we discuss: 

AI's role in enhancing recruitment efficiency 

AI and bias mitigation in hiring 

The future of AI and human collaboration in recruitment

Episode 42: AI in recruitment: boosting efficiency, reducing bias and shaping the future

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Karen Young, Social Purpose Lead at Hays, about how recruitment companies can find and embrace their social purpose. They discuss the increasing significance of purpose in the recruitment sector and its influence on attracting and supporting talent. 

  

Key topics include:  

The vital role of social purpose in recruitment and how companies can adapt and progress. 

How to attract purpose-driven talent by aligning recruitment strategies with the values of the next generation. 

Strategies to enhance skills development and create more opportunities for under-represented groups and the communities recruitment firms serve.

Episode 47: Purpose-driven recruitment: building impact and opportunity

In the final episode of 2024, the REC’s formidable duo, Neil Carberry and Kate Shoesmith, sit down to look back at the highlights, the political shifts, the challenges, and how we have supported members throughout the year. They’ll go on to talk about what’s in store for 2025 from the REC and how we are making the sector’s voice heard.

Episode 50: REC round-up: highlights, challenges & the road ahead

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry speaks with Nish Mayor, Director of Employer Engagement & Partnerships at Youth Futures Foundation. They dive into the impact of Youth Futures Foundation’s work and how it is helping young people, especially those from marginalized groups, access the labour market. 

In this episode they discus: 

The mission and impact of Youth Futures Foundation. 

Nish’s journey and role in driving employer engagement. 

How businesses can adapt their hiring practices to better support young talent. 

The importance of systemic change in employer behaviour to create lasting opportunities.

Episode 53: Breaking barriers – how employers can create meaningful opportunities for young people

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment podcast, Neil Carberry speaks with Laura Clark, CEO of OA Group and an REC business member. They explore the journey of scaling a business from 6 to 50 people, navigating an MBO, and the vital role of communication in building a successful company.

Episode 57: The power of communication: Scaling a successful recruitment business

In this exclusive episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry sits down with Justin Madders MP, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets for a timely conversation exploring the Government’s employment agenda and the future of work in the UK. With the Employment Rights Bill on the horizon and his recent fireside chat at RECLive25, this episode offers a front-row seat to the thinking behind the proposed reforms and what they mean for the recruitment industry. 

Episode 61: The Employment Rights Bill exclusive with Justin Madders MP

In this episode, Neil Carberry OBE sits down with Colin Gunnell, CEO of Liquid Friday, to explore how businesses stay competitive in a shifting landscape. They dive into: 

The evolution of technology to support unique brand propositions 

 Deploying new tech to stay ahead 

 How USPs adapt in changing markets 

Driving commercial innovation amid disruption 

Episode 64: how technology and innovation are redefining USPs in a changing market

In this episode, Neil Carberry sits down with Matt Fryer, Managing Director at Brookson Group, to unpack the upcoming changes to umbrella company regulation and what they mean for the recruitment industry. They explore the implications of the draft umbrella tax rules due April 2026, focusing on the introduction of Joint and Several Liability (JSL) a move that could see agencies and end clients held accountable for tax missteps by umbrella companies. 

Episode 65: Risk, Reform & Recruitment: The future of umbrella models

️ In this special episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry introduces a standout session from RECLive25, where our expert panel explored how AI is reshaping the recruitment industry. 

  

Hosted by Kate Shoesmith (Deputy CEO at the REC, the conversation features insights from Annie Andrews (Chief Executive, Curo Services), David Stott (VP, Enterprise International, Bullhorn) and Roxi Sweeney, Head of Marketing & Digital, The Best Connection. 

  

Together, they unpack how AI is being used to automate repetitive tasks, enhance the candidate experience, and even predict future hiring needs. The panel also shares real-world use cases, practical tips for adoption, and guidance on staying compliant with evolving regulations while keeping trust and risk mitigation front of mind. 

Episode 66: How AI is reshaping recruitment: Insights from RECLive25

In this special episode of the #TalkingRecruitmentPodcast, Kate Shoesmith is joined by  Ross Thompson, Executive Manager at REC business partner Infinity Staff Global. Our expert explores Recruitment reimagined, from AI tools to offshore growth strategies and how AI is reshaping the recruitment industry.

Episode 67: Recruitment reimagined: From AI tools to offshore growth strategies

In this episode, Neil Carberry speaks with Suhail Mirza, Global Wellness Speaker, Healthcare Expert & Staffing Sector Board Advisor, about how workforce wellbeing and sector transformation intersect in today’s challenging environment. They explore how the UK staffing industry is evolving in response to market pressures, workforce shortages, and the growing need for inclusive, sustainable approaches to work, particularly within the NHS and social care.

Key topics include:

What recent REC data reveals about the outlook, challenges, and opportunities across the industry.
Understanding the work done within the NHS and social care sector to address wellbeing and retention in complex workforce systems.
 How broader wellbeing movements are shaping employer expectations and candidate behaviours worldwide.
How staffing firms can differentiate themselves through purpose-driven, people-centred strategies that create real client value.

Episode 69: Bridging the gap: wellness, workforce, and what’s next for the NHS.

In this episode, Neil Carberry is joined by Melissa Mhondoro, Legal Advice Manager at the REC, to discuss the significant regulatory and market changes anticipated to shape the recruitment sector in 2026. They discuss how evolving legislation, from tax and data protection to fair work and digital identity, is reshaping the way agencies, contractors, and employers operate.

Together, they explore what these changes mean for day-to-day recruitment practice, business strategy, and maintaining trust in a fast-moving compliance environment.

Episode 70: Five legal updates that could affect your recruitment business in 2025 and beyond

In this episode, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry OBE is joined by three industry specialists: Daniel Haslam, Chief Business Development Officer at Giant Group, Sebastien Sauca, CEO of SafeRec and Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment at JMW. Together they unpack the major compliance and regulatory changes set to reshape the recruitment landscape in 2026. 

The episode features an in depth look at what the joint and several liability reforms for umbrella companies will mean for agencies, MSPs and end hirers and why financial stability, due diligence and transparency in supply chains are becoming non-negotiable. 

The panel also looks ahead to the Employment Rights Bill, discussing its implications for guaranteed hours, statutory sick pay, unfair dismissal, and the future Fair Work enforcement body. 

Across the conversation, they highlight the practical steps recruiters should be taking now and why the compliance changes could ultimately lead to more strategic, higher-value partnerships between agencies, payroll providers and clients. 

Guests: 

Daniel Haslam, Chief Business Development Officer, Giant Group 

Paul Chamberlain, Head of Employment, JMW 

Sebastien Sauca, CEO, SafeRec 

Episode 71: Compliance – what’s on the horizon for 2026?

In the final Talking Recruitment podcast of the year Neil Carberry OBE, REC Chief Executive, is joined by Maxine Bligh, REC Chief Membership & Innovation Officer, to reflect on a challenging but pivotal year for recruitment. They explore what’s held hiring back in 2025, where confidence is starting to return, and how recruiters are adapting their business models, skills and use of technology to prepare for growth in 2026. 

The discussion covers market resilience, the growing importance of trusted client partnerships, the practical role of AI in improving productivity, and why recruiters will be central to navigating labour market change in the year ahead. 

Guest: 

Maxine Bligh, Chief Membership & Innovation Officer, REC 

Episode 72: 2025 Recruitment Roundup – Why human insight still matters in a tech-driven market

In Episode 75 of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, REC Chief Executive, Neil Carberry OBE, is joined by the REC’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Kate Allen, Founder of Allen Associates. 

Kate shares the story behind building a relationship-led recruitment business in Oxfordshire – from launching solo in 1998 to creating a debt-free, specialist consultancy service that engages the community and builds long-term client trust. 

The conversation explores: 

> Why relationship-focused consultancy beats transactional recruitment 

> The power of market transparency through insight and research 

> Why curiosity, integrity and marketing investment remain critical in a tougher market 

At a time when the industry is navigating legal reform, technological change and fragile confidence, Kate makes a compelling case: the fundamentals still matter, but leaders must stay curious and keep evolving. 

Guest: 
Kate Allen is Founder, Executive Chair and Marketing Director for Allen Associates Limited based in Oxford 

Lifetime Achievement: What it really takes to build a lasting recruitment business

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, Neil Carberry is joined by Daniel Haslam (Giant Group), Rob Leake (NumberMill) and Sebastien Sauca (SafeRec) to unpack what compliance risk looks like in 2026 and why this moment represents both a threat and an opportunity. 

The panel explores: 

> The compliance risks recruiters may be underestimating, from umbrella expense practices to solvency risk 

> Why joint and several liability should be seen as a business-critical risk 

> How HMRC enforcement mechanisms could play out in practice 

> Whether “quick and cheap” supply models are becoming unsustainable 

> Why strong compliance can now be a commercial advantage 

> How a level playing field could reshape parts of the temporary labour market 

However, alongside the risk is opportunity: recruiters who get this right can reposition as professional services businesses, using compliance not just as protection, but as a differentiator.  

Guests: 

Rob Leake, Commercial Director, NumberMill 
Rob is a director at NumberMill, an ACCA-chartered accountancy, FCSA-accredited employment intermediary and GLAA-licensed employer supporting contractors and the organisations that engage them. He has over 15 years’ experience advising recruiters on IR35 reform, worker engagement structures and compliant outsourced employment models. 

Dan Haslam, Chief Business Development Officer, Giant Group 
Dan Haslam has more than 15 years’ experience in the recruitment and contractor services sector. As Chief Business Development Officer at Giant Group, he works closely with recruitment businesses to navigate worker engagement, payroll and compliance challenges, including IR35, AWR and upcoming umbrella reforms. 

Sébastien Sauca, CEO, SafeRec 
Sébastien Sauca is CEO of SafeRec, a compliance and technology firm that helps protect workers, agencies and end clients from risks associated with non-compliant umbrella companies. SafeRec is known for its certification standard, designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to the temporary labour supply chain. 

Get April Ready: Risk in a changing legal landscape

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, Maxine Bligh, Chief Membership and Innovation Officer at the REC, is joined by Dominic Waters (Paul Waters Associates) to explore what drives performance in recruitment and what businesses should be prioritising if growth returns to the market.

The conversation focuses on what separates high-performing recruiters from the rest, challenging common assumptions around experience and highlighting the importance of mindset, resilience and consistent sales behaviours. As hiring activity begins to pick up again, the episode also examines where agencies continue to make costly hiring mistakes and how they can avoid them.

Drawing on insights from working with over 250 recruitment businesses, Dom shares why relying on instinct and interviews alone often leads to poor hiring decisions, and makes the case for a more objective, data-led approach to assessing potential.

The episode also looks ahead to how the recruiter role is evolving, with technology reducing administrative tasks and increasing the importance of relationship-building and value creation.
Ultimately, the discussion reinforces that while the tools and context may change, the fundamentals of success in recruitment remain the same and getting hiring right will be critical to the next phase of growth.

Guest
•	Dominic Waters, Managing Partner, Paul Waters Associates


Hiring for growth: how to avoid costly mis-hires in recruitment with Dominic Waters

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, Neil Carberry is joined by David Levenston (Orbital) and Lee McChrystal (Brookson) to explore how agencies are responding to a market that is improving, but still uncertain.

They discuss early signs of recovery in 2026, particularly in the temporary market, alongside the impact of upcoming legislative changes as part of the Employment Rights Act. The conversation highlights how these shifts are driving greater collaboration between agencies, clients and payroll providers, as well as a stronger focus on managing both financial and brand risk.

A key theme is the importance of due diligence across the supply chain. The guests share practical advice on what agencies should be asking of their partners, from financial stability to compliance and transparency, and why real-time data and visibility of payments are becoming essential.

The episode also looks ahead, with a focus on where growth may come from, including increased demand for temporary workers and the role of AI and technology in improving productivity.

Overall, a practical and grounded discussion on how agencies can reduce risk, build confidence and position themselves for growth in a changing market.

Guests
•	Dave Levenston, Senior Business Development Manager, Orbital Group
•	Lee McChrystal, Group Sales Director, Brookson

Employment Rights Act: What next for recruiters?

As the pace of legislative change accelerates, this episode of Talking Recruitment asks a bigger question: is the recruitment model itself starting to shift?

Neil Carberry is joined by Ross Thompson (Infinity Staff Global) and Simon Whitehead (Brabners) to explore how rising compliance demands, increased enforcement and ongoing economic uncertainty are reshaping how agencies operate.

The conversation looks at the growing weight of risk on recruitment businesses, the impact on traditional high-volume, contingent models, and the need for agencies to better articulate their value to clients. With compliance taking up more time and resource, there is a clear shift towards more advisory, specialist approaches; supported by better use of technology and, in some cases, offshore delivery.
At the same time, the fundamentals remain: understanding clients, building trust and delivering quality. The agencies best placed to succeed will be those that adapt quickly, invest in their operating model and take a more transparent, consultative approach in a changing market.

Guests
•	Ross Thompson, Executive Manager, Infinity Staff Global
•	Simon Whitehead, Partner, Brabners



Is the recruitment model changing for good?

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, Maxine Bligh is joined by Ross Thompson and Jurgen Jaarsma to discuss what is happening across global recruitment markets and what it means for UK agencies.

They explore current trends including regional growth, ongoing talent shortages and the continued shift towards remote and offshore hiring. As costs rise in the UK and other established markets, more agencies are looking overseas to scale their teams and improve efficiency.

The episode also looks at changing candidate expectations, particularly around flexible working, and how this is shaping hiring decisions in different regions. The guests share insights from markets including the US, Europe and South Africa, highlighting where demand is growing and where opportunities exist.

Alongside this, they discuss the risks. From compliance and worker classification to choosing the right partners, the conversation offers practical advice for agencies thinking about international expansion.

Overall, a useful overview of how recruitment businesses can adapt and grow in a more global market.

Global recruitment trends: what’s next for UK agencies?

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, Olga Frańczak is joined by Beth Foley and Helen Tomlinson to discuss how approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion are changing across recruitment and the wider workplace.

The conversation explores how EDI has shifted from awareness campaigns and performative activity towards something more measurable, operational and commercially focused. The guests discuss why inclusion is increasingly being embedded into systems, processes and decision making, and how organisations are being challenged to demonstrate real impact rather than intention.

The episode also looks at the role of middle management in shaping workplace culture, the importance of retention and progression, and why psychological safety and inclusive leadership are becoming more important to business performance.

Alongside this, the discussion examines how AI and technology are reshaping hiring practices. The guests explore the risks of bias in automated systems, why human judgment still matters, and how recruitment businesses can balance speed and efficiency with fair and inclusive outcomes.

The discussion offers a practical discussion on what meaningful inclusion looks like in 2026 and how recruitment businesses can build EDI into long-term business strategy, workforce experience and future growth.

Host:
•	Olga Frańczak, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, REC
Guests:
•	Beth Foley, CRO, Liquid Friday
•	Helen Tomlinson, Head of Inclusion & Employability at The Adecco Group


Has EDI been deprioritised – or is it evolving?

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment podcast, Neil Carberry is joined by Sarah Bishop from The Talent Arc and Guy Venables from Maximus to discuss how recruiters, employers and employability organisations can work together to connect more people with meaningful careers.

The conversation explores the barriers many young people and underrepresented groups face when entering the workforce, the importance of role models and networks, and why confidence and support can be just as important as skills. Guests also share practical examples of how partnerships between recruiters, employers and employability providers are helping people overcome obstacles, access opportunities and build successful careers.

The episode looks at why widening access to talent is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good business sense for employers facing long-term skills and workforce challenges.

Guests:
•	Sarah Bishop – CEO, The Talent Arc
•	Guy Venables – Regional Director, Maximus UK


Untapped talent: creating pathways into work

A year ago, many recruitment businesses were experimenting with AI. Today, the challenge is no longer whether to use it, but how to use it effectively.

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment podcast, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry is joined by Annie Andrews, CEO of Curo Services, and Dries De Coster, founder of MeetDwight, to explore how AI is moving to practical business application across recruitment.

Together, they discuss where agencies are seeing genuine returns, why automation and AI are often confused, and how businesses can avoid mistaking activity for productivity. The conversation examines the importance of understanding workflows before introducing new technology, the risks of automating poor processes, and why many of the biggest opportunities currently lie in middle and back-office operations.

The episode also explores the growing importance of governance, data quality and human oversight as AI becomes embedded in recruitment practices and considers what will differentiate successful recruitment businesses in an AI-enabled market. As technology becomes more capable, the guests argue that recruiter judgement, communication skills and trusted human relationships may become even more valuable.

Guests:
•	Annie Andrews, CEO, Curo Services 
•	Dries De Coster, Founder, MeetDwight


AI in recruitment: what’s delivering real value?

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, REC Chief Membership and Innovation Officer Maxine Bligh is joined by Jan Govaerts, CEO of theMatchBox, to explore how AI-powered matching is helping recruiters spend less time on administration and more time building relationships, advising clients and making better hiring decisions.  

The podcast examines where AI is already delivering measurable value, from uncovering candidates hidden within existing databases to improving recruiter productivity. Maxine and Jan also explore the importance of high-quality data, choosing trusted technology partners and avoiding common pitfalls as recruitment businesses invest in AI.  

They also tackle one of the industry's biggest questions: if employers, candidates and recruiters are all using AI throughout the hiring process, how do you maintain trust, authenticity and human judgement?  

The conversation explores why recruiter expertise may become even more valuable as AI takes on more routine tasks, and what successful recruitment businesses should be doing now to prepare for the future.  

In this episode, you'll hear about: 

>How AI can reduce admin and free recruiters to focus on higher-value work.  

>Why AI-powered matching goes beyond traditional keyword searches.  

>Making better use of your existing candidate database.  

>The importance of data quality and choosing trusted AI providers.  

>How recruiters can maintain trust and judgement in an AI-enabled hiring process.  

>Why human relationships remain central to successful recruitment.  

Host: Maxine Bligh, Chief Membership and Innovation Officer, Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) 

Guest: Jan Govaerts, CEO, theMatchBox (part of Pixid Group) 

AI in staffing: smarter matching, stronger relationships

In this episode of Talking Recruitment, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry is joined by Katy Forsyth, Owner and Managing Director of Red Recruitment, Joe Taffurelli, Chief Executive of Ovio, and Antoine Poiron, Vice President Sales Europe at Pixid Group, to discuss what successful AI adoption really looks like in recruitment.

Rather than asking what AI can do, the panel explores where it adds genuine value and where human judgement, empathy and expertise remain essential. From improving candidate journeys and automating repetitive tasks to preparing data, processes and people for change, they share practical lessons from implementing AI in recruitment businesses.

The conversation also examines why the most successful firms won't be those that simply adopt the latest technology, but those that use it to strengthen relationships with candidates and clients, freeing recruiters to focus on the work only people can do.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
•	How AI can improve recruiter productivity without replacing human expertise. 
•	Why strong processes and high-quality data are essential before investing in AI. 
•	The impact of AI on candidate experience and recruitment outcomes. 
•	How recruiters can use AI to reduce administration and spend more time consulting clients and candidates. 
•	Why empathy, judgement and relationship-building will become even more valuable as AI evolves. 
•	Practical advice for recruitment businesses starting their AI journey. 


Host: 
•	Neil Carberry, Chief Executive, REC
Guests:
•	Katy Forsyth, Owner and Managing Director, Red Recruitment 
•	Joe Taffurelli, Chief Executive, Ovio 
•	Antoine Poiron, Vice President Sales Europe, Pixid Group


AI in recruitment: why people, not technology, make the difference

AI is transforming recruitment, but technology alone won't create better hiring outcomes. As automation takes care of more administrative tasks, the value recruiters bring is becoming even more human.
In this episode of Talking Recruitment, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry is joined by Laura Tressler, Managing Director, Access Recruitment, and Dominic Waters, Director, Paul Waters Associates, to explore what clients really want from recruiters in an AI-enabled world.
From improving hiring decisions and reducing the risk of costly bad hires to preparing for employment law changes that place greater emphasis on getting recruitment right first time, the discussion explores why technology should support, not replace, human judgement. The guests also examine how recruiters can use AI to remove administrative burden, strengthen client relationships and become more strategic advisers. 

In this episode, you'll hear about:
•	Why trusted advice is becoming more valuable than transactional recruitment. 
•	How AI can automate administration while creating more time for meaningful conversations. 
•	The importance of getting hiring decisions right first time as employment rights evolve. 
•	Why strong recruitment processes and effective assessment reduce the risk and cost of a bad hire. 
•	How recruiters can use technology to enhance, rather than replace, human judgement. 
•	The skills recruitment leaders should be investing in for the future. 

Host: 
•	Neil Carberry, Chief Executive, REC
Guests:
•	Laura Tressler, General Manager, Access Recruitment 
•	Dominic Waters, Director, Paul Waters Associates


The Human Advantage: What Recruiters Need in an AI World

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

*The views expressed by guests on the REC's Talking Recruitment podcast are not those of the REC and reflect the individual's personal opinions.

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