However, in the longer term it will deliver real benefits to members, according to Angela Masters, the REC’s chairman. Masters told Recruiter: “The impact of the reorganisation is not going to be apparent today or tomorrow; this is just the beginning. We have a great membership satisfaction rating now, and the effect of the changes will certainly be subtle, but I have no doubt that member’s satisfaction will go up.”

As a result of the restructuring, four core divisions have replaced the previous eight. The new divisions are headed by four directors, who report directly to REC chief executive Kevin Green (see recruiter.co.uk ’Key personnel changes as REC undergoes major restructuring’, 1 October).

Masters pointed to the new division responsible for membership delivery under Martin Noble as a change that would improve services to members. “Simplifying and bringing together the membership delivery so they are all under one roof will mean they all work together as a team,” she said.

Hugh Woods Ballard, managing director of healthcare and education recruiter Day Webster, a corporate member of the REC, told Recruiter that he welcomed the restructuring. “In the current market rationalisation is good,” he said, but he added “only as long as services to members are not adversely affected”.

Woods Ballard said he hoped the changes would lead to an improvement in the legal services helpline, with more staff available to answer calls rather than callers having to leave a message and wait for a return call.

Green cited the replacement of 23 published telephone numbers with just two the REC’s legal helpline and its contact centre number as an improvement for members. “It will be easier to do business with us, and we will be more consistent in terms of delivery,” said Green.