The recruitment industry is heavily regulated (in some sectors more than others) and good advice from an experienced recruiter with a strong background within compliance and regulation within the early stages of starting up is highly advisable. Improper processes and procedures could land you in extremely hot water with the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (DBIS) and leave you wide open to legal disputes in the future. Make sure that you have the correct compliance in place (including a robust set of contracts to use with both your clients and candidates) and work towards compliance with the Conduct Regulations for Employment Businesses 2003 (amended 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010). Membership to a regulatory body such as the REC, The IOR or APSCo might also be of interest.
Alison Kennedy is MD of Recruitment Business Solutions. She offers a free 1 hour phone consultation for start up recruitment businesses and also has free business planning tools available. Too find out more or to book an appointment contact her at; info@recruitmentbusinesssolutions.co.uk
