Merit in the community

Recruitment Employment Confederation:

Merit have been members of the REC and its predecessor FREC since its conception in 1985. The REC is the voice for the recruitment industry, setting out the standards for its members, representing our industry with national and internationally and provides a body for arbitration during disagreements.

REC Code of Professional Practice:

Members will observe the highest principles of ethics, equity, integrity, professional conduct and fair practice in dealing with others, and will conduct their business in a manner designed to enhance the operation, image and reputation of the recruitment industry and REC members. The REC will offer guidance, legal advice and training to members to help achieve these standards. Ethical conduct is not simply compliance with legal requirements but extends to honesty, respect for and equitable treatment of others, integrity and social responsibility. It is conduct that holds up to disclosure and to public scrutiny. Members and their staff will act towards other members and non-members, candidates, clients and others at all times in good faith. Members should actively seek to support and uphold the mission and values of the REC.

The Code consists of ten principles:

• Respect for Laws.
• Respect for Honesty and Transparency.
• Respect for Work Relationships.
• Respect for Diversity.
• Respect for Safety.
• Respect for Professional Knowledge.
• Respect for Certainty of Engagement.
• Respect for Prompt and Accurate Payment.
• Respect for Ethical International Recruitment.
• Respect for Confidentiality and Privacy.

These Principles and the REC Code of Professional Practice can be viewed in full at www.rec.uk.com/code

The REC has an important role to play in continuously improving standards within the recruitment industry. The Code is binding on all corporate members.

Complaints against REC members from candidates, clients or others can be investigated under the REC Complaints & Disciplinary Procedure.