I was intrigued by the debate between some of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s heavyweights (‘IRP: tweaking or enhancing?’, Recruiter, 8 July, p12), which discussed the timing and merits of the REC’s new Institute of Recruitment Professionals.

Naturally time will tell if it is the wrong or right move. Let’s face it, recruiters are salespeople and salespeople want to earn money. Therefore, to throw a little relevant research into the debate, a recent report from the UK’s leading professional management organisations delivered by the Consultative Committee for Professional Management Organisations confirmed the following:

‘The estimated lifetime economic benefit associated with holding professional qualifications and membership of a professional institute is approximately £152,000 in today’s money terms. This is comprised of £81,000 from holding professional qualifications, and £71,000 from holding membership of a professional institute.’ Perhaps this will be a factor if individual recruiters acknowledge that membership of IRP or sitting REC qualifications will positively affect the back pocket.

I personally feel any steps to professionalise any industry are good news, and in light of REC’s recent focus on ‘phoenixing’ in our industry, more professionals adhering to best and fair practice can only increase the perception of recruiters by employers in what is an extremely challenging market.

• Colin Minto, creator The Staffing Profession and director of the Association of Personal Assistants