REC Awards

The REC Awards entry process is exclusively for Recruitment & Employment Confederation members, and our 18 categories recognise both individual achievement and company-wide success.

You’re only a few steps away from entering REC Awards! 

Get started by reviewing our tips on how to write a good entry. And do please read our How to enter information which take you through the process in greater detail (such as logging in and autosaving your entry), as well as describing the new features for this year (you can enter by written answers, voicenotes or video)

When you're ready, then you check one or more tickboxes next to the categories you wish to enter below, then click on 'PROCESS'.

Don’t forget to click the ‘Complete’ button to confirm your submission and be sure to submit all entries by the entry deadline: 5pm, Friday 11 July 2025!

Individual Categories - What we need from you: 

About: This award is aimed at individuals who have shown true promise in their new recruitment role. Entrants should be consultants with less than 18 months’ industry experience. The winner will demonstrate that he or she has made a positive impact on the business by building strong relationships with candidates and clients. If this sounds like you, this is the category to enter!
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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

  • What your role is within the company and how long you have been employed by the company 
  • What measurable impact you have made on the team or organisation in the past year 
  • What achievements or contributions you have made to the business - this should include your contribution to the company’s revenue and/or profit performance 
  • How you have added value to a client and/or candidate experience, focusing on matching and placement 
  • How you stand out from the crowd - ensure you include any in-house recognition
  • What steps you have taken to develop yourself within your organisation 
  • Applications must include at least two testimonials from either a client, candidate or your employer

About

Are you a temporary recruiter who has consistently exceeded your company’s expectation and targets? Do you have tales of how you have ‘gone the extra mile’ that is worthy of being recognised as the best in the UK? Then this category is for you.


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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

  • Your revenue for the past year
  • The average number of temporary workers you place daily and weekly
  • How you use your key attributes to make a positive impact on clients and candidates
  • How you meet and exceed your company targets
  • Your awareness of current legislation and regulations, and how you use this in your day-to-day work
  • How you demonstrate your commitment to professional standards
  • How you have exceeded clients’ and/or candidates’ expectations
  • Examples of your dedication to customer service
  • Examples of what steps you take to develop your skills and capability
  • How you balance the quality of service with revenue generation
  • Judges will also be looking for detail on individual career progression to date and any in-house recognition given
  • Applications must include at least two testimonials from clients and candidates

About:

Are you a permanent recruiter who has consistently exceeded your company’s expectation and targets? Do you have tales of how you have ‘gone the extra mile’ that is worthy of being recognised as the best in the UK? Then this category is for you.


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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

  • How many placements you have made in the past year
  • Your average income generation per month
  • What your clients see as your key attributes
  • Your awareness of current legislation and regulations, and how you use this in your day-to-day work
  • How you consistently exceed company expectations and targets
  • What drives and motivates you, and how you apply this in your role
  • An example of when you have “gone the extra mile” for a client or candidate
  • Examples of your approach to customer service
  • Examples of what steps you have taken to enhance your skills and capability
  • How you balance the quality of service with revenue generation
  • Detail on individual career progression to date and any in-house recognition given
  • Applications must include at least two testimonials from clients and candidates

About:

This category is aimed at all employees within a recruitment agency who have demonstrated excellence in delivering a service that is above and beyond expectation – whether that’s through exceptional customer service or innovation within a process that has had a significant impact on efficiency, candidate or client satisfaction.

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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • What your role is within the company and how long you have been employed by the company 
  • A clear explanation on what you have contributed, above and beyond your role
  • Evidence of the outcomes and improvements
  • Changes in customer service and candidate or client satisfaction levels
  • Revenue improvements or cost reductions resulting from your actions
  • Applications must include at least two testimonials

About:

This award recognises the positive impact recruiters have by empowering people to make important choices and change their lives for the better. You understand that getting the right job can have a profound effect on a candidate's life, whether that be by securing a better income, moving to another part of the country for a role or taking a job with more flexible hours to allow more time to spend with their family, whilst providing an excellent candidate experience.  If you go that extra mile to ensure the best candidate experience, this is the category for you to enter. 

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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

  • What your role is within the company and how long you have been employed by the company
  • At least two examples of candidates who secured a job that transformed their lives, where needs and/or expectations were particularly challenging to meet, and the recruiter demonstrated an innovative approach that exceeded their expectations 
  • Examples of where varied approaches have been used to attract candidates from different sources or backgrounds to a role 
  • Examples of how you consistently exceed candidate expectations
  • Evidence of how candidate feedback and/or satisfaction measures are used to improve performance 
  • Applications must include at least two testimonials from candidates

About

This category is aimed at business directors, senior managers and owners who have demonstrated excellence in driving your business forward – whether that’s through supporting employees, transforming the business or innovating on your approach to candidate service. We’re looking to hear from leaders who’ve transcended the traditional role as a boss and someone who can provide great examples from their employees or clients.


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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

  • Examples of the performance improvements you have achieved
  • Describe how you support and motivate your employees
  • Explain how you have created competitive advantage for your business
  • Describe how you transcend the traditional role as a “boss”
  • Describe your techniques in adding value to your organisation’s approach to customer service
  • Applications must include at least two testimonials from employees and clients

Company categories - What we need from you: 

About:

This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the success of a recent project or campaign you’ve worked on as a team – whether that’s a marketing campaign or bringing in a new innovation/process within your organisation. We’d like to hear the full story – from how you worked together to what you achieved at the end of the project.


£ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

  • Describe the team and the project or campaign worked on
  • Please describe how the team achieved the expected goals (including both qualitative and quantitative data to support)
  • Please describe how you used innovation as a team to realise goals
  • Describe how the team members worked together to excel, add value and overcome challenges
  • The difference the team has had on your organisation’s performance and values
  • Applications must include at least one testimonial from the agency's leadership team

About:

The Award for Shared Service Team seeks to draw attention to the often unsung heroes who provide the day-to-day support for recruiters and management teams. Entrants should be in a non-front line business support area, such as marketing, admin support, finance, compliance or resourcing. 

£ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

  • How the organisation invests in the team to ensure continual professional development 
  • Nominees in this category will be expected to provide details on the activities they have undertaken and the impact these have had on the business and its staff 
  • How they have demonstrated initiative in meeting the changing demands of the business and supplying appropriate support within their organisation 
  • The difference their work has made to the organisation and/or the industry through their response to key challenges and problems 
  • Activities and commitment that demonstrate they have gone the extra mile in providing support 
  • Applications must include at least one testimonial from the agency leadership team

About :

This award is aimed at companies operating within the recruitment industry who can demonstrate how they have helped a client transformation their business through a successful candidate attraction or retention strategy. Whether through Technology, Resource Management, organisational change or other means. The judges will be looking for an organisation that demonstrates a true partnership with a client that has had a positive affect on the clients resourcing and staffing requirements.

Applications should be jointly proposed by the recruitment organisation and their client.

£ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • Evidence of what the strategic aims of the strategy were
  • How were those aims were enacted, and implemented
  • What was the impact of the transformation, how did it impact the client
  • Evidence of the change of partnership between the organisations
  • Any future stages that allow continuous improvement
  • Applications must include at least one testimonial from a client showing how any improvements have positively effected them

About:

In this category, we are looking to celebrate companies operating within the recruitment industry who can demonstrate not only good compliance, but a demonstrable way of working which drives high standards in recruitment. The judges will be looking for a champion that consistently goes the extra mile to ensure their staff deliver high levels of compliance and go the extra mile to ensure that all standards are adhered to and exceeded, whether through technology, training or KPIs and processes and can show that that it has embedded high standards throughout its organisation.
£ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

  • How standards are met and adhered to
  • How standards are continuously monitored
  • Programmes for onboarding newcomers with the required information about industry rules and regulations and best practice as well as keeping current staff up to date
  • Planning for future improvements and preparing for incoming legislation
  • The adoption of industry standards and frameworks
  • Keeping up to speed with industry requirements and legislative changes
  • Support of the REC Compliance Regime – demonstrated by completion of the REC Compliance Assessment (formerly the Compliance Test) 
  • Applications must include at least one testimonial from a client, candidate, or employee.

About :

The judges will be looking for a recruitment business that has invested in their staff and systems to enable it to improve its social and environmental concerns in their business operations in the communities they operate in.    The award will be given to the recruitment business best able to demonstrate how it achieves a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives while at the same time engaging with stakeholders and staff alike. Judges will be looking for professionalism, ethical behaviour and practices that have resulted in the enhanced image of the recruitment industry as well the business itself.
£ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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Judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

  • A detailed description of what the activity was and why it was carried out
  • How the activity benefited the community
  • The benefits the activity made to your organisation
  • How you promoted the activity and its outcome
  • How your actions enhanced the image of the recruitment industry
  • Applications must include at least two testimonials from employees and/or stakeholders

    About:

    This award looks to recognise and celebrate firms leading on the green agenda and the business role in the UK’s path towards Net Zero. There is an increasing expectation amongst clients and candidates that businesses they work with will have in place clear plans to reduce their carbon footprint and drive sustainability. There are also huge prizes to be won within the green economy which will only be enabled with the right green skills. The winning firm will be able to showcase the steps they are taking internally and/or with clients to contribute to this.


    £ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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      Judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

      • Describe the strategic approach you are taking to improving sustainability and environmental impact
      • Give detail of specific initiatives or projects that have helped your or your clients environmental impact or to maximise the opportunities in the green economy/green skills
      • What Policies, Training or work with teams internally or externally have you undertaken to support this approach?
      • Describe the impact this has had on your/your client’s business either by reducing carbon footprint or enabling positive action
      • Applications must include at least two testimonials from candidates, clients or employees - as appropriate to the nature of your project

      About:

      Creating a respectful, inclusive and empowering working culture is not only important to prevent discrimination, but it also allows your employees, candidates and clients to feel welcome, valued and safe to contribute their innovative ideas. This award is aimed at companies that have successfully demonstrated equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on multiple levels within their organisation, and/or as part of their client offering. We’d like to hear from you about the steps you took to achieve this.

      £ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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      Judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

      • What innovation in equality, diversity and inclusion has your company undertaken?
      • What has been the impact of your work?
      • How was this measured?
      • How are you including your staff or candidates and clients in your EDI journey?
      • What feedback have you received after changing your approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion?
      • Provide references/testimonials from at least three people who you have impacted positively

      About:

      This award recognises entrepreneurs and their new start-up businesses; recognising the challenges and highlights of their first year and how they have triumphed. Enter this category to be recognised for your innovation, quality of service and willingness to go above and beyond for your clients and candidates.

      To be eligible for this category, you need to have started your business no earlier than 1st December 2023.
      £ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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      Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

      • What was the initial strategy and vision for your start up?
      • Please describe how the first 6 months aligned with strategy
      • What challenges have you had to overcome during the start up?
      • How has the business stood out from the crowd? Or please define the unique selling point
      • What is the vision and strategy for the next 12 months?
      • Give an example of success during the first 12 months of trading?
      • Describe how you have gone above and beyond whether in placing a candidate or delivering great service to client
      • Applications must include at least two testimonials from candidates and clients

      About :

      This award recognises suppliers that have demonstrated excellence in supporting REC member companies, including recruitment consultancies, agencies, and talent employers. Suppliers should showcase innovation, high-quality service, and a strong commitment to driving standards and professionalism in the recruitment industry. Suppliers must exemplify best practices and strengthen recruitment operations. This newly established award offers significant visibility and recognition within the recruitment industry, highlighting your business as a trusted partner and a leader in delivering value to REC members.

      To be eligible for this category, you must be an REC business partner providing services or products to the recruitment industry.
      £ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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      Judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

      • What was your strategy for supporting the recruitment industry?
      • How does your offering align with the needs of recruitment businesses?
      • How have you added value to REC member/recruitment companies?
      • Can you share examples of enhancing recruitment processes or client growth?
      • What innovative services have you introduced to benefit the sector?
      • How have your solutions improved recruitment outcomes?
      • Share examples of successful outcomes with recruitment clients.
      • How have you adapted to industry changes?
      • What measurable success have you achieved, and what’s your vision for the next 12 months?
      • Describe a time you exceeded expectations in delivering service or solving client challenges.
      • Provide testimonials from recruitment sector businesses that highlight your impact. 

      About:

      This award is aimed at agencies with up to 20 employees that has demonstrated success in terms of people development, employee engagement and recognition. We’re looking to hear from businesses who have put employees at their heart of their business strategy and can demonstrate examples of where this has paid dividends.


      £ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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      Judges will be looking for evidence of the following:  

      • How your company’s vision and values drive your organisation’s activities
      • Your company’s approach to people development and engagement
      • How employees are actively engaged in the development of your business strategy
      • A description of the business’s employee benefits package, including reward and recognition strategies and highlighting any innovative employee schemes such as volunteering or community activity
      • How employees’ skills are developed, measured and sustained to ensure performance standards are maintained, and that you retain a competitive advantage
      • An outline of your company’s approach to measuring employee satisfaction and how this information is used to improve management behaviour and communication
      • Applications must include at least two testimonials from employees

      About:

      Are you a medium-sized recruitment agency with up to 50 employees that has demonstrated success in terms of people development, employee engagement and recognition? We are looking to hear from businesses who have put employees at their heart of their business strategy and can demonstrate examples of where this has paid dividends.


      £ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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      Judges will be looking for evidence of the following: 

      • How your company’s vision and values drive your organisation’s activities
      • An outline of your company’s approach to people development and engagement
      • How employees are actively engaged in the development of your business strategy
      • A description of the business’s employee benefits package, including reward and recognition strategies and highlighting any innovative employee schemes such as volunteering or community activity
      • How employees’ skills are developed, measured and sustained to ensure performance standards are maintained, and that you retain a competitive advantage
      • An outline of your company’s approach to measuring employee satisfaction and how this information is used to improve management behaviour and communication
      • Applications must include at least two testimonials from employees 

      About:

      This category is aimed at larger recruitment agencies (with over 50 employees) who can demonstrate success in terms of people development, employee engagement and recognition. We are looking to hear from businesses who have put employees at their heart of their business strategy and can demonstrate examples of where this has paid dividends.


      £ 199.00 +VAT (20%)
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        Judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

        • How your company’s vision and values drive your organisation’s activities
        • An outline of your company’s approach to people development and engagement
        • How employees are actively engaged in the development of your business strategy
        • A description of the business’s employee benefits package, including reward and recognition strategies and highlighting any innovative employee schemes such as volunteering or community activity
        • How employees’ skills are developed, measured and sustained to ensure performance standards are maintained, and that you retain a competitive advantage
        • An outline of your company’s approach to measuring employee satisfaction and how this information is used to improve management behaviour and communication
        • Applications must include at least two testimonials from employees

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