2025 Series

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 to Ben Browning, Founder of Resonant, a business consultancy that supports recruitment firms to address their growth challenges. They discuss why recruitment businesses must shift toward a more strategic approach to revenue generation and what recruiters might be missing when it comes to sales efficiency.

Episode 54: Going beyond the placement and elevating recruitment through strong business strategy

In this episode of the #TalkingRecruitmentPodcast, Neil Carberry speaks with Raj Lal, Senior Sales Director at Totaljobs. They dive into the recent increase in National Insurance contributions, how these changes are affecting businesses and examine the growing disconnect between employee-valued benefits and employer offerings, considering strategies for companies to stay competitive in talent acquisition and retention.

Episode 55: The changing cost of business: taxes, talent & the UK’s economic shift

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment podcast, Neil Carberry speaks with Chris Milligan, CEO of Konfir. They discuss how Konfir’s technology supports the candidate credential verification process, putting the power of data back in candidates' hands. 

They go on to discuss: 

The latest automation trends transforming hiring and onboarding processes 

Real-world case studies showcasing industry success stories 

An exclusive preview of Konfir Konnect, happening this June 

Episode 56: How is automation transforming hiring and empowering candidates in the UK?

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 episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast REC Legal experts Lorraine Laryea, Chief Standards Officer and Melissa Mhondoro, Legal Advice Manager sit down with Kate Shoesmith Deputy CEO to discuss the latest legal and Employment Right Bill changes. 

Episode 58: Navigating the recent legal changes and what they mean for you

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast Neil Carberry talks to Jo Major, Founder of Diversity in Recruitment. They discuss the evolving role of tomorrow’s recruiter, from transactional hiring to strategic talent architect and reengineering recruitment practices for a skills-first future. 

Episode 59: Rethinking recruitment for a future-ready workforce

In this episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry sits down with Duncan Wyeth, Partner Manager at Vision33, a Sage Partner, to explore how recruitment agencies can take control, get lean, and grow smarter in today’s shifting market. From finance transformation to data-led decisions, this episode is packed with practical insight. 

Episode 60: Fit for the turnaround: building scalable, profitable recruitment agencies

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 special episode of the Talking Recruitment Podcast, Neil Carberry introduces a valuable conversation from RECLive25. The session, hosted by Lorraine Laryea, Chief Standards Officer at the REC, features guest speakers Colin Gunnell, Chief Executive at Liquid Friday; Michelle Mellor, Chair of the REC and Director and Founder of Cummins Mellor; and Denise Walker, Founder and Managing Director at Absolutely Business. Together, they share strategies and insights on supporting a race to the top prioritising and advocating for the quality and value of recruitment partnerships.


Episode 62: Racing to the top not the bottom: holding value in a price driven market

In this episode, Neil Carberry sits down with Hayden Boilini, Director of Financial & Professional Services (North America) at the UK Department for Business and Trade. They explore the realities facing UK recruitment agencies expanding into the US market, from navigating regulatory complexity to bridging cultural gaps and staying competitive. 
Learn how to build resilience into your US expansion strategy and hear directly from an expert driving UK trade success overseas. 

Episode 63: Trade routes and pitfalls: what UK recruiters need to know about the US market

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 Hung Lee, curator of Recruiting Brainfood, about the changing landscape of recruitment and how agencies can adapt to new market realities. They discuss the impact of global economic shifts, technology innovation and how recruitment businesses can thrive through transformation and collaboration.

Key topics include:

The recruitment market reset and how firms can respond to slower growth and increased uncertainty.

How artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Opportunities for growth in a flat market through innovation, adaptability and focus on niche areas.

The importance of industry collaboration, compliance and continuous learning to stay ahead of policy and technology changes.

Episode 68: Future-proofing recruitment: AI, adaptability and growth

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

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.

2025 Series

Talking Recruitment Podcasts