Today (Tuesday
July 5), the REC’s Institute of Professional Recruiters (IRP) is launching a
new suite of qualifications which has been designed to develop and enhance
professional capability in the £20 billion recruitment industry.
These new
qualifications represent a huge step-change for the recruitment sector. They
will equip professional recruiters with all the knowledge and skills they need
to meet the rapidly changing demands of clients and candidates.
The new Entry
Level Certificate and Professional Level Diploma join the Masters in
Recruitment Practice in providing the most comprehensive set of qualifications
for the recruitment industry anywhere in the world. They are launched following a year long review of the
Qualifications offering involving more than 500 REC members.
As the UK’s awarding
body for recruitment qualifications, the REC’s review included extensive
feedback from recruiters and other key stakeholders such as clients, academics
and Government.
The qualifications
are being aligned with IRP membership grades. IRP members now have access to
the most up to date qualifications to support the drive to develop best practice
among professionals at every stage of their careers.
Neil Smith, the
REC’s Chair, said:
“These
qualifications are the result of a very rigorous and thorough review which
received tremendous input from recruiters and numerous other stakeholders with a
vested interest in the success of the UK recruitment industry.
“Qualifications
and training are at the heart of the REC. We are excited to be launching these
qualifications as we believe that not only do they better reflect the industry
as it is today, but also help build capability for the future. The new comprehensive Diploma will
become an essential marker of professional excellence that clients and
potential employers will look for.”
Judith Armatage,
the REC’s Director of Professional Development, added: “We now have a
world-class qualifications programme which will equip IRP members with the
knowledge, skills and confidence they need to help them build long term client
relationships and enhance their reputation among candidates.”
The new features
of the qualifications are:
Increased recruiter competence and confidence because of robust
accredited development
Employer recognition because these qualifications have been developed by
the industry for the industry
The ability to differentiate themselves as a qualified recruiter sending
out a clear message about their skills and capability enabling them to stand
out from the crowd
Increased business acumen as all IRP qualifications have detailed
sections on business best practice
Full IRP membership which is given upon completion of the Diploma or
Masters in Recruitment Practice along with the use of letters after their name
The new
qualifications are as follows:
Entry Level: Certificate in Recruitment Practice
Thoroughly
updated and modernised, the new Certificate has been designed to give
recruiters in the first 12 months of their careers, a thorough knowledge of the
fundamentals needed to work effectively, efficiently and ethically in the
industry. It can be studied via distance learning, through fast track training,
employer-led training programmes or direct exam access.
It comprises six
core units:
- Build and Sustain Relationships
- Sell recruitment services
- Manage the recruitment
process - Essential legislation and
operational processes - Market the recruitment
business - Manage yourself for success
Professional Level: Diploma in Recruitment Practice
The Diploma is
for experienced recruiters, team leaders and recruitment managers, who want to be
seen as true professionals. It
will develop their recruitment, sales and recruitment business knowledge and
also gives students a broader perspective on the wide range of issues they
face, enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills to excel. The Diploma can be studied
through a flexible learning programme with students choosing when they enrol
and take their assessments. Units can be completed any time within a four year
period.
It comprises
four core units plus two optional units from a choice of five.
They are:
Core Units
- Build and develop networks
and relationships - Advanced recruitment sales
- Manage the recruitment
process - Law and ethics in
recruitment
Optional Units
- Business development and
marketing - Manage people
- Manage operational processes
- Manage finances
- Recruitment business
planning
Masters in Recruitment Practice – Masters Degree
The Masters is
being delivered in partnership with Middlesex University Business School and is
designed for the recruitment industry’s elite wanting to reach the pinnacle of
their career. Using the School’s internationally renowned Work Based Learning
framework, the Masters offers flexible learning opportunities for those taking
it to reflect on and evaluate their work, helping them maximise their full
potential.
The next
Certificate and Diploma programmes using the new qualifications will start in
September and November this year. For further details about the qualifications
and how to enrol on the courses, please go to: http://www.rec-irp.uk.com/career-development/qualifications
