PARTNERING YOUR AGENCIES

The relationship between HR and recruitment agencies - how can it be improved?

This section covers a general checklist of essential and effective principals for your business to recruit the right people, critical for the long-term financial success of your business.

Recruiting companies often lose sight of the fact that to get the best service you have to properly engage your agency and give them the best possible chance to fill your requirements.

View the agency as an extension of your own business. Involve them in the recruitment planning stage - Use their market knowledge to your benefit. You expect agencies to deliver a good service, to work to your service levels and key performance indicators. Commit your business to doing the same - that's a partnership approach.

Use an agency that focuses solely on HR & Training roles - They will truly understand what you're looking for, the local market conditions and challenges affecting the hire. Furthermore, a good agency will offer guidance, such as free salary & benefits information for the region.

Choose a reputable agency - Don't compromise on quality and use one you can trust, Check out the agencies credentials and demonstrable track record. Are they members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)? This is the trade body that supports and represents the recruitment industry. Members have to strictly adhere to the REC Code of Professional Conduct and the statutory Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Develop solid relationships with a select few. Let them understand your business and learn to understand theirs. Using multiple agencies leads to multiple CV's which gives you more CV's to sift through, leading to duplication, disputes, time spent to resolve disputes and so on.

Manage your agencies well. Make it clear what you expect and be clear on what they need to provide. If an agency does a good job tell them, if they don't, be honest. Tell them how they need to improve.

Avoid the "them and us" scenario. Develop a relationship with good lines of communication in which both parties feel confident to address and resolve issues.

Finally, does the agency take their CSR responsibilities seriously and do they trade ethically? What policies do they have in place to support the importance of the wider community, and do they assist with fundraising for charities? View our pledge and promises on Corporate Social Responsibility