The new year will see the Recruitment and Employment Confederation “putting the member at the centre of everything”, the trade body’s chief executive promised last week.

The REC is embarking on an ambitious programme of renewal and growth as it revitalises its offerings and reemphasises its commitment to members, Kevin Green revealed to Recruiter.

Green, who has been in office six months, acknowledged: “I think, as an organisation, we haven’t been as good at maintaining and deepening the relationship as we should have been.”

The REC’s agenda for the next year includes the introduction of what Green called “a whole host of new products” and the relaunch of its individual membership proposition.

The REC programme emerges in parallel with the Association of Technology Staffing Companies (ATSCo’s) relaunch as a trade body for recruitment firms representing professional industry sectors.

A cornerstone of the REC’s commitment to its members will be a system in which each member will have a named account manager who will regularly contact their members or “accounts”. The account manager will also serve as a point person for questions or other information about REC issues and offerings.

“It’s about talking to them about what we’re doing… but also it’s about asking them what do they want, how can we respond to their requirements,” Green said.

“Now that’s important at any time. But when you’re in the middle of the biggest recession the country’s had for 25 years, I think it becomes much more important. Putting the member, and the relationship with the member, at the centre of everything we do is absolutely critical.”

Read more about the REC’s plans for 2009 in Recruiter, 14 January.