The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has announced the selection of Bev White as Chair-Designate, taking over as Chair later in the year after confirmation at the organisation’s AGM next month.
Bev White, Executive Chair of Harvey Nash and Crimson, will join the UK’s leading trade association for talent, staffing and recruitment businesses at a critical time in its modern history. With so much changing in how firms operate today, talent planning is in flux. Technology, regulation and geopolitics are all reshaping the sector. The REC will be at the heart of ensuring the UK’s world-leading talent sector navigates these challenges – and seizes the opportunities – successfully.
Current Chair Michelle Mellor, founder and director of businesses Cummins Mellor, CJUK and Personnel Checks will step down in October. She commented: “Serving this incredible trade association for the UK recruitment industry as Chair over the last three years, has been the honour of my career.
“The recruitment sector has faced unprecedented change during that time and the pace of transformation shows no sign of slowing. From the emergence of new technologies to the uncertainty created by political and economic developments both at home and abroad, our industry continues to navigate a uniquely challenging environment.
“The REC will require strong, thoughtful leadership in the years ahead and I am delighted to be handing over to Bev who brings the experience, judgement and leadership qualities needed to guide the REC and support our members through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
Meanwhile Bev White said she was honoured to be appointed Chair of the REC particularly as the organisation approaches its centenary. “It has never been more important that we reflect the full breadth of our membership and the role we play in supporting organisations and individuals through constant change,” she said. “The recruitment industry sits at the heart of how the UK grows and adapts, and I’m proud to take on a role that carries both responsibility and real opportunity to shape what comes next.
“What matters most to me is that every member feels heard and represented,” she continued. “The REC is a powerful platform to influence how businesses, government and society think about talent, skills and the future of work, and I bring a real curiosity about how forces like AI, while often seen as a threat, can unlock entirely new opportunities. My focus will be on making sure our industry’s voice is not only heard but acted on, and that we support our members to navigate and lead through what is a fast-moving and hugely important time.”
“Michelle’s entrepreneurialism and energy have been a huge asset to our organisation over her three years as Chair. She is leaving REC a more resilient and dynamic organisation,” said Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive. “Bev White is a stellar addition to the REC, with extensive experience and success in our sector. We have a shared understanding that people are not a component but actually really vital to the success of British business. Bev White and REC are aligned on how temporary and contract work is essential to economic growth, at all skill levels, and how permanent hiring needs to change alongside it to take a more long-term view.”
