Talking Recruitment

Recruitment & Employment Confederation

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.

  1. Get April Ready: Risk in a changing legal landscape

    2 DAYS AGO

    Get April Ready: Risk in a changing legal landscape

    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.

    43 min
  2. Lifetime Achievement: What it really takes to build a lasting recruitment business

    18 FEB

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

    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

    37 min
  3. Why the CV is dead and what comes next

    5 FEB

    Why the CV is dead and what comes next

    In this episode of Talking Recruitment, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry OBE is joined by recruitment reformer and tech innovator Keith Langbo to explore how hiring is being reshaped by AI, shifting workforce expectations, and growing skills uncertainty. They argue recruitment needs to move beyond CV and skills-based matching towards “signal-based” hiring that focuses on behaviours, adaptability, and culture fit. The conversation explores the risks of automating broken processes, and the opportunity for agencies to add more value by asking better questions, improving role definition, and building trusted candidate communities. Guest: • Keith Langbo is Founder and CEO of Kelaca and leads RGH Global’s expansion across the Americas

    45 min
  4. Episode 73: Better Together: The REC & TRN on the future of recruitment

    22 JAN

    Episode 73: Better Together: The REC & TRN on the future of recruitment

    In this episode of Talking Recruitment, REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry OBE is joined by James Osborne, Founder of The Recruitment Network (TRN), to explore how the role of recruiters is evolving in a complex and fast-changing market. The conversation looks at the shift away from purely transactional recruitment towards deeper client partnerships, with Neil and James discussing how the strongest recruiters are increasingly acting as consultants, helping organisations understand skills shortages, workforce planning and long-term talent strategy. In a market shaped by hesitation, cost pressures and uneven demand, this advisory role is becoming a clear differentiator. The episode also looks ahead at how recruitment models are changing, including the impact of technology, data and AI on how agencies operate and deliver value. Neil and James discuss what recruiters need to stay ahead of that change, from skills and mindset to the support structures around them. The new partnership between REC and TRN is designed to support members through this transition, bringing shared insight, collaboration and enhanced resources to help recruitment businesses adapt, grow and stay relevant in the years ahead. Guest: James Osborne (TRN Founder)

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

    17/12/2025

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

    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

    31 min
  6. Episode 71: Compliance – what’s on the horizon for 2026?

    27/11/2025

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

    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

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

    28/10/2025

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

    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.

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

    22/10/2025

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

    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.

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Recruitment & Employment Confederation
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    189
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Talking Recruitment

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