Spring chief executive elected as REC chairman

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) announces the appointment of Richard Barfield as its new chairman. Mr Barfield, who is the chief executive officer of Spring Group plc, the UKís largest technology staffing agency, was elected by corporate and individual members of the REC to work alongside the newly appointed vice chairs, David Winterburn, previous REC chairman, and Ian Wolter, managing director of recruitment agency, Eden Brown.



Mr Barfield will play a pivotal role in maintaining the RECís position as one of the most successful trade associations in Britain, representing the 24.5 billion recruitment industry.

Gareth Osborne, managing director at the REC, said: We are delighted to have someone of Richardís stature as chairman. As a qualified accountant, and a highly respected CEO of one of the UKís leading staffing organisations, Richard has both the business discipline and strategic vision to help us achieve the ambitious growth targets we have set. With employment issues at the centre of an expanding EU, these are important times for the recruitment industry. We welcome Richardís appointment and are confident that he will help us to demonstrate the vital contribution our industry makes to the British economy.

Newly elected REC chairman Richard Barfield commented: Itís an honour to have been appointed as chairman and I intend to embrace the challenge by continuing the good work of my predecessors. I am confident that, with Gareth Osborne and his team, we can represent the views and interests of REC members with vigour and by participating actively in specific policy debates facing the industry, such as the Agency Workers Directive, continue to develop the RECís standing as the representative body for the recruitment industry.