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HeadRec is our series of interviews with gurus, opinion leaders and innovators within the recruitment industry both in Ireland and abroad. This issue we talk to Geraldine King, Director of the National Recruitment Federation (NRF).The National Recruitment Federation is an organisation set up to establish and maintain standards and codes of practice for the recruitment industry in Ireland.  2010 has been a challenging year for the industry, says King, but staying positive and going back to basics will keep us on the straight and narrow in 2011. Geraldine is a stalwart of the recruitment industry so pick her brain by reading the transcript below.

The recruitment industry in Ireland has undergone much change in recent months, what’s the single biggest challenge facing your organisation for 2011?
The single biggest challenge will be the implementation of the Agency Working Directive (AWD). This directive is to come into effect no later than December 2011 and the NRF will be on hand to help and advise members on its implications and best practices.

How are you/your organisation adapting to this face this challenge?
The NRF will continue to lobby with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (DETI) on behalf of the industry to try and minimize any major impact to our members. We will continue to keep members updated through regular communication. 

Is there a person or company that you use to benchmark your future plans?
The Recruitment Employment Confederation (REC) in the UK, they are the UK equivalent of the NRF here in Ireland and have 75 staff with specialised departments that deal in specifics. I find them hugely inspirational particularly their Educational programmes. It was this organisation that inspired us to develop our own Certificate in Recruitment Practice which is accredited by the ILM and endorsed by City and Guilds.

What’s the most exciting tech innovation you've seen in the industry?
Probably social media. Social media sites have given another option/avenue for the industry to explore how we attract and source candidates.

What’s the next industry event you plan to attend?
The next industry event for me will be our own NRF Social Media Breakfast Briefing on Thursday January 27th in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce at 8 a.m. This is the first of a number of NRF briefings planned for 2011 which address relevant topics that affect the recruitment industry or are workshops for members to avail of free training.

If you had to come up with a one-line prediction for the recruitment industry in Ireland by December 2011, what would it be?
Confidence is improving. There will be more hires in 2011.

What’s the best tip you could offer recruiters, HR managers or jobseekers for 2011?
Stay positive. I also think we need to get back to basics in terms of how we run our businesses and deal with our customers. The basic business acumen to make time for clients, candidates and potential customers. Meet people face to face now, there was a time we were too busy for that but it's more important than ever to develop and foster genuine human relationships.

About Geraldine King

Geraldine is a qualified trainer and business manager/coach having started off in the Electronics industry as a trainer and technical manager. She then moved into the recruitment industry and worked as a manager for 7 years with Grafton Recruitment in three of their offices on the East Coast, North Dublin and Co. Louth. Geraldine joined the NRF in 2009 and took on the role of Mananger of Member Services and Co-ordinator of the Education Programme. Geraldine has been Director of the NRF since March 2010.