Don’t say it…… “not another recruitment industry body!!”
Well, they say categorically no! They aren’t getting involved in the politics or trying to change the industry as a whole.. they just want to support independents and anyone looking to start up for the first time.
I had a chat with founder Sean O’Donoghue and this is what he told me:
There are two parts to the Independent Recruiting Group (IRG). The first part IRG-Socialise is their “association” for independent recruiters. The second element is for independent recruiters wanting to set up for the first time and wishing to be part of a managed service type network. They become an IRG Recruiter; offering them back office support (email, website, credit control, etc) for a small percentage of the fees they bill (this is lower than most of the managed service systems and is capped).
The bit which I was most interested in is the IRG network. They were ready to launch in January this year, but with all the whoha around IOR they decided to be absolutely certain they had all their ducks in order before hitting the market. The basics are:
Membership is for owner/managed businesses with up to 10-15 staff
It’s free to join
It’s a support network
IRG is operated as a not for profit business. They are currently working towards being a Community Interest Company (this is a new type of registered business designed for social enterprises that want to use their profits and assets for the public good).
They have 65 agencies at present and are looking to have 500 by the end of the year
The whole thing feels a bit more community driven than the REC or IOR. They are more about support and less about membership, enforced codes of conduct and regulations. In many ways they are a lot like the TEAM network which I’ve always thought beaver a way for good.
However, very much like REC and IOR they are talking with confidence. They intend to go global and have a strong impact within their sector of the recruitment market.
If you are an independent feeling like a bit of support wouldn’t go a miss – check them out (ps, they are also on the look out for Regional Directors….). They are on Twitter too if you want connect there.
Thanks for your kind comments Louise, really appreciate it!
Just to be clear – if you are thinking of starting up for the first time, we can support you. Our self employed recruiters work with us and keep a minimum of 90% of their billings – most earn more than 95%. You can be an IRG recruiter, or we will help you create your own brand and trade entirely under your own name.
If you are already set up, then it’s totally free to be a part of our group and gain all the added support services of collaboration, idea sharing, discounts on tools and services, free accounting and legal advice… and more!
Our main website is http://www.irg-uk.com and existing agencies should check out http://www.irg-socialise.com.
There’s strength in numbers, and that’s what we aim to show everyone!
When I first spoke with the founder of IRG, Sean O’Donoghue, I was amazed at how the ideals the IRG were set to promote almost mirrored the ethical statements I had worked into my own business plan when I started my own business, Regum Ltd, earlier this year.
I honestly believe that all of us who have chosen the independent route are true specialists, we have chosen this path as our true careers and we care about what we do. We don’t have the cash behind us to cover up mistakes so we’re diligent and we do the very best we can, every day.
I know that independent recruiters everywhere will agree with this and that’s why I believe it’s important for us to talk to each other, collaborate and improve the service we already provide. Independent recruiters are the life blood of the industry in my humble opinion and the IRG gives us the opportunity to have our voice heard in industry and perhaps, just perhaps, help change the perception of recruiters everywhere.
As the newly instated Regional Director, Yorkshire, for the IRG I am looking forward to working with my local colleagues to benefit ourselves and each other.
I’d like to echo what James has said above – the IRG is a positive force for good within the independent recruitment sector, one which reaffirms and promotes the values held by the recruiters themselves.
It provides a strength for the sector greater than the individual, gives the independents a voice, and provides them with a greater reach – this is to their benefit, and to to that of their clients.
I’m delighted to be part of the IRG, as Regional Director for Scotland, and I’m looking forward to more quality, independent, recruiters coming on board in the months ahead.
Hi Louise
Thanks for bringing these guys to my attention. I think a mutual support network for independent recruiters is a great idea, as they say there is strength in numbers. One almost feels like the big industry bodies are more interested in supporting the ‘big’ boys rather than the independents. I would be very inerested in finding out more from Sean.
I’ve been impressed with the ideas and ambitions behind IRG, which is essentially asking recruiters to work together and share their resources to achieve quality results, which let’s face it is pretty alien to the industry to date! However, the growth of IRG in a short space of time has proved that independent recruiters can collaborate effectively whilst ensuring consistent service and providing excellent solutions to clients and candidates.
I run my own independent recruitment business called Big Sky Additions specialising in finance & accountancy appointments and I am excited to represent IRG as Regional Director for East Anglia. I look forward to speaking to more like-minded recruiters and welcoming them to the benefits of IRG.
Thanks to all of you leaving feedback about your experiences of the IRG. Great to hear.
I applaud Sean for what he has created with the IRG – not least because I have created a similar group.
Currently smaller, with similar intentions and different offerings – targeting the 0-8 staff fraternity – the Cloud Nine Recruitment Group is as much about inter-agency collaboration as is it about the significant area of reduced supplier costs for key tools such as job boards and service providers – whilst retaining independence.
I encourage small businesses to engage with either or both to improve our competitor edge.
…and both are a LONG way from the IOR and REC! 🙂
They were ready to launch in January this year, but with all the whoha around IOR they decided to be absolutely certain they had all their ducks in order before hitting the market.
I am someone who is considering setting up as an independant recruiter in the future after 14 years in the industry working for others. I did view the IRG website but could not see the relevant section for someone like me. I hope someone can help.