Appointment of New Directors Announced as Recruitment Sector Gears Up for Revival
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has announced the appointment of three new non-executive directors to its board. The new members, Sarah Ellis, Hana Searson, and Kevin Freeguard, bring a diverse range of experiences and expertise to the table, with backgrounds in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
Sarah Ellis, co-founder of Amazing If, is an entrepreneur with a focus on talent and recruitment solutions. Her innovative perspectives are likely to prove invaluable as the REC navigates the ever-changing landscape of the UK labour market. Prior to founding Amazing If, Sarah held leadership roles at Barclays and Sainsbury's, and served as Managing Director at creative agency Gravity Road.
Hana Searson, Director of Talent, Culture, and Capability at BT Group, provides deep expertise in corporate talent management, workplace culture, and capability development. Hana's extensive experience in large, established companies will be a valuable asset to the REC's strategic development. Before joining BT Group, Hana spent nine years at Barclays as Group Head of Talent and Executive Development, and has previously worked as Head of Culture at NatWest Group and Global Head of Culture and Behavioural Insights at Citigroup.
Kevin Freeguard, the former CEO of Gattaca PLC, brings executive leadership experience within the recruitment and staffing sectors to the REC Board. Kevin has also held senior leadership roles at Verifone Systems Inc, De La Rue, Siemens, and Motorola. As CEO of Gattaca PLC, Kevin oversaw the growth of the company into a leading specialist engineering and technology recruitment firm.
The appointment of these new non-executive directors is part of the REC's ongoing modernization efforts. In 2020, the REC voted to approve Council recommendations on modernizing its operation, including creating non-executive Director positions appointed from outside the recruitment industry. This move is aimed at enhancing impartiality and breadth in strategic thinking, essential amid rapid transformations in talent and staffing landscapes.
The REC Board consists of 11 members, with half elected from the recruitment industry and the other half appointed from outside the sector. The combination of recruitment industry insiders and external experts on the Board is intended to provide objective strategic guidance and support the REC's role as the professional body of the recruitment industry.
Michelle Mellor, REC Chair, congratulated the new board members and thanked the departing non-executive directors, Sakhila Mirza and Jane Rumble, for their efforts. Sakhila Mirza is now President of Responsible Gold, while Jane Rumble has taken on the role of Chief Executive at UKAD.
An observer on the REC Board attends board meetings, follows discussions, presentations, and decision-making processes. As observers, Sarah Ellis, Hana Searson, and Kevin Freeguard will have the opportunity to contribute their expertise and insights to the REC's work, while learning more about the recruitment industry and its importance to UK economic growth.
Sarah Ellis's company, Amazing If, has a mission to make careers better for everyone. Hana Searson's deep expertise in corporate talent management, workplace culture, and capability development, coupled with Kevin Freeguard's executive leadership experience within the recruitment and staffing sectors, will undoubtedly contribute to the REC's efforts to support the recruitment industry and promote its importance to UK economic growth.
[1] Recruitment and Employment Confederation (2020). Modernising the REC: Council recommendations. Available at: https://www.rec.uk.com/about-us/governance/modernising-the-rec-council-recommendations
[2] Recruitment and Employment Confederation (2021). New non-executive directors appointed to the REC Board. Available at: https://www.rec.uk.com/about-us/governance/new-non-executive-directors-appointed-to-the-rec-board
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