SkyBlue Recruitment scores a first for national recruitment firm
Midlands-based recruitment firm SkyBlue is celebrating after being the first nationally operating recruitment business to secure the Recruitment and Employment Confederation's (REC) Diversity Assured Recruitment status.More than a mere pledge, the REC's newest scheme sees businesses like SkyBlue undergo a rigorous critique and audit to prove their commitment to diversity and equality in the workplace via a variety of day-to-day, ethical recruitment practices.
“We're overjoyed with the news that we've passed,” says Head of Operations at SkyBlue, Richard Toy.
The 'Diversity Assured' initiative is being delivered through Birmingham Professional Diversity (BPD), one of the REC's partners.
SkyBlue has worked closely with BPD over the years to promote the importance and benefits for businesses taking the issue seriously and they introduced SkyBlue to the scheme.
Aaron Reid, Executive Director at BPD says:
“The public and private sector currently utilises the expert advice of recruitment consultants as a method to fill 76% of their vacancies. It makes sense to use an agency who can demonstrate its ability to provide diverse candidate shortlists if you are trying recruit a diverse workforce. We have been working with Sky Blue for a number of years and their commitment goes way beyond mere compliance.
Breaking new ground with their innovative approach they are now recognised as a 'poster child' for Diversity and are helping to set the standard for others in the industry. Our congratulations go out to SkyBlue on achieving Diversity Assured Status, which confirms - and I hope - vindicates all of the hard work and commitment over the years.”
Dave Massingham, SkyBlue's Diversity and Equality Manager said:
“Hundreds of job seekers and human resources professionals use recruitment services every day and they should have a guaranteed measure of quality.
Our new found status gives those people the confidence to believe that when we say we are a truly diverse business and incorporate equality into everything we do. We really do mean it.”
Editors Notes
SkyBlue is a specialist recruitment firm sourcing and supplying skilled temporary, permanent and contract labour from a network of branches throughout the UK. Key sectors include, rail, construction, highways, commercial, facilities management and mechanical & electrical works. www.skybluesolutions.co.uk
SkyBlue is a key partner, alongside Jobcentre Plus in delivering the Government's Local Employment Partnerships and has so far helped over 40 people from disadvantaged backgrounds into work via this route.
Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)
- The REC is the association for the £24.5 billion private recruitment and staffing industry in the UK, with over 6,000 recruitment agencies and over 6,000 recruitment consultants in membership. Its website is www.rec.uk.com
- All members must abide by a Code of Good Recruitment Practice.
15.03.08
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