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. 29 Jul

    The Human Advantage: What Recruiters Need in an AI World

    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

  2. 15 Jul

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

    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

  3. 1 Jul

    AI in staffing: smarter matching, stronger relationships

    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

  4. 17 Jun

    AI in recruitment: what’s delivering real value?

    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?

  5. 3 Jun

    Untapped talent: creating pathways into work

    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

  6. 20 May

    Has EDI been deprioritised – or is it evolving?

    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?

  7. 6 May

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

    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?

  8. 22 Apr

    Is the recruitment model changing for good?

    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?
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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
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Talking Recruitment

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