Matchtech Group Plc awarded new REC Audited status

In its drive to recognise and reward high achievers the Recruitment and Employment Confederation has pioneered the first audit scheme for the recruitment industry. Welcomed by the Department of Trade & Industry, the REC’s scheme employs an independent firm of auditors to ensure that agencies are fully compliant with industry regulations and operate to the highest possible standards. Hampshire based Matchtech Group Plc, with a projected turnover of £120m for 2005, is the first major UK recruitment agency to be awarded Audited status, which represents the ‘Gold Standard’ of REC Membership.

Hundreds of job seekers and human resources professionals use recruitment services every day and they should have a guaranteed measure of quality. REC Audited status offers assurance that agencies are conducting their business lawfully and ethically, in full compliance with the Employment Agencies Act and Conduct Regulations 2003.

Speaking about the scheme and Matchtech Group Plc’s achievement, Marcia Roberts, Deputy Chief Executive, REC said, "Congratulations to Matchtech, they have set a high standard and are a fantastic example to other recruitment agencies. Matchtech have demonstrated that they commit to best practice and can prove it."

Commenting on Matchtech’s success in obtaining official endorsement from the REC, Paul Raine, Managing Director said, "We have worked very hard to achieve this status and are delighted to be leading the way for technical recruitment agencies. We believe it sets us apart and gives both our current and future clients absolute confidence in the high quality of our service."

With over 190 staff based at their headquarters in Fareham and now one of the UK’s largest independent recruitment companies, Matchtech Group supplies temporary, contract and permanent recruitment services to the Engineering, Construction, IT and Scientific sectors. Chairman George Materna said, "We have always known that the quality of our delivery is vital and will always try to differentiate ourselves by adding value and providing innovation to our customers. The award of the REC’s Audited status is a tremendous accolade for us."

Introduced in January of this year, the REC Audit is made up of 125 auditable criteria to ensure compliance with EAA 1973 and Conduct Regulations of 2003, as well as the REC Code of Good Recruitment practice and complements the DTI’s own inspectorate. The audit examines a vast range of areas including; policy and certification requirements, work seeker registration, terms of engagement and payment for temporaries.

The REC is the association for the £24.5 billion recruitment and staffing industry in the UK with over 6000 recruitment agencies in membership. It advises both jobseekers and companies who purchase recruitment solutions to look for the newly released REC audited logo which confirms independent assessment to the highest possible standards.