About Us

Our History. The Society was founded in 1979, when it was established by a group of individuals working primarily in the fields of Recruitment Advertising and Consultancy. As at the time they had no natural "home" or forum where they could meet like-minded professionals to discuss and debate latest developments, the Society was formed. From those early origins, the Society evolved and emerged, over time, as an inclusive body for all those working in and having an interest in all aspects of Resourcing and Retention. Accordingly, the membership grew to include in-house HR Resourcing specialists, employment industry intermediaries at every level and type of recruitment, the media - sector and national, Recruitment Advertising agencies, Online Recruitment experts, Talent Management specialists, Recruitment Analysts, Occupational Psychologists with a focus on employment, Outplacement, members of other related Trade & Professional Associations (such as CIPD, the REC, APSCo and AGR) and Consultants of all types involved in any aspect of Resourcing - in fact the list is almost endless!

In this way, the Society became known as "the meeting place for best practice, ideas and experience." As one of the main UK forums for presentation and discussion about leading edge Resourcing & Retention issues, the Society runs topical high quality speaker events, which also provide excellent informal networking opportunities for all those with a professional interest in best practice in Resourcing.

As the Society's profile has grown, so it has also become valued as a sought after UK national voice on Resourcing issues. Most recently, the major change in the Society's structure has seen it become the UK professional membership body bringing together all those involved in Resourcing - high calibre events remain a key part of the Society's offering to the Membership, but Membership is increasingly seen to confer other invaluable Benefits as well.

Benefits

As the Society grows in stature, the aim is to increase the range of Benefits we offer to Members, but the core advantages are:

  • Your Membership is a statement of your professional standing to all those you come into business contact with each working day. The unique proposition of The Society is that it is the UK voice of Best Practice and Innovation in Recruitment, and it is inclusive of all those professionally involved in Recruitment, in whatever way. 
  • Use of designatory letters. As a Member, you are encouraged to use these after your name to show your Membership and make a powerful statement about you, and about your organisation, and the high standards to which you, and we, aspire. Members receive an annual Certificate showing their membership status.
  • A regular programme of events. These offer top quality speakers and topics of current and CPD interest. These events are usually either free or available at discounted rates to Members and their guests, depending on the specific Membership Level and Terms offered in any Membership year. In itself, the Benefit of these events makes Membership excellent annual value. 
  • First class Networking opportunities. The diverse range of our Membership gives great personal access to like-minded senior professionals active in all different areas of Resourcing and related activities.
  • Use of the Society's logo. Members are encouraged to use this on their own materials, such as stationery, business cards, and websites. That is a fundamental offering as part of the Membership package (subject to permission being granted and the understanding that the privilege can be withdrawn at any time at the sole discretion of the Committee) and sends the same professional message about you as using the designatory letters after your name.
  • Free Legal Helpline Service. Offered exclusively to all paid up Society Members, and providing a personal service, advising on all main areas of employment law. (Limits to use of service subject to regular review and at sole discretion of the Committee.)   
  • "Ask the Expert." Members have access to communal topical discussion (currently run through our LinkedIn Group) to raise specific issues, plus we operate an "ask the expert" facility, where the Society can provide guidance on confidential issues for Members only.
  • Mediation & Conciliation Service. This dispute resolution service is offered in the event of a dispute arising between two Society Members. Although offered as a non-legal and non-binding advisory service only, it is intended to help prevent disputes escalating to a higher level. The service is charged back to participating Members on a time only basis (current rates available on request from the Society)   
  • Lobbying access.  Topics for consideration can be submitted to the Society by Members and the priorities for this activity are reviewed about every three months.
  • Consumer reviews of suppliers and products. These are encouraged from all Members for inclusion within our topical online discussion areas.
  • Preferential Member Discounts. As the Society grows, so does the number of our partnership arrangements with relevant suppliers of products and services. Currently these arrangements principally include relevant discounted Insurance products for Members. 


All in all, the range of Benefits available, and which are subject to ongoing review at all times, make Society Membership, at whatever level, an extremely cost effective and valuable proposition. If you are serious about your career, can you afford not to be a Member?