New board member for REC with expertise in health sector

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) is delighted to announce the election of a new board member with expertise in healthcare staffing, as the sector gears up for a change in the NHS.

The REC Board delivers external directors who are independent people and do not serve as company executives at REC. They bring their unique expertise in recruitment and offer objective thinking and independent views.

REC members elected Hannah Ahmed to the Board ahead of the recent AGM. She will serve an initial three-year term. Her first Board meeting is in September 2023.

Hannah founded and is managing director of HG Group, a recruitment company formed nearly five years ago that works in the nursing, critical care, midwifery/neonatal and mental health sectors. She has worked for the NHS as a trust liaison coordinator.

Her election comes coincidentally as the government published its first-ever Long Term NHS Workforce Plan which aims to reduce spending on agencies.

Hannah Ahmed said:

“I am a champion and advocate for healthcare agencies which deserve greater recognition from governments for their vital and great contribution to the everyday functioning of the NHS.

“I am enthusiastic that equality, diversity and inclusion are top priorities for REC members, not least because we have to maximise the potential and skills of people in these times of severe labour shortages.

“I hope the REC continues to encourage recruiters to embrace change by using innovative technology to manage their work and look forward to contributing to REC’s models of delivery work which seeks to achieve this.”

Hannah’s senior leadership team at HG Group is a testament to her commitment to EDI, with all the management from an ethnic minority.

Sarah Thewlis, Chair of the REC Board, said:

“I congratulate Hannah on her election and delighted to welcome her to the Board given her in-depth knowledge of workforce issues in the healthcare sector. She joins an excellent Board that has the expertise of leading businesses across health, finance, education, communications and sport, to help REC remain relevant and effective in achieving its goals.”

Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Hannah to the REC Board. She will be a great asset to REC over years to come, offering advice and sharing expertise on all of the key issues we face as a business. Having started a successful recruitment agency, Hannah brings a wealth of management, financial and sales experience and a keen insight into the healthcare industry. This is vital as we make the case for the difference recruiters and agency workers drive in every sector, including health, following the publication of the NHS Workforce Plan last week.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The members of the board are:

• Sarah Thewlis, Chair, REC Board & Managing Director, Thewlis Graham Associates  
• Hannah Ahmed, Managing Director, HG Group
• Neil Carberry, Chief Executive, Recruitment and Employment Confederation
• Laura Clark, Managing Director, The OA Group
• Michelle Mellor, Managing Director, Cummins Mellor (Chair from October 2023)
• Sakhila Mirza, Executive Board Director and General Counsel, London Bullion Market Association
• Dr. Gopa Nair, CEO - Leo and Mia Foundation & Group Head of CSR, XA Group
• Simone Payne, CEO, 4myschools
• Jane Rumble, Chief Executive, UKAD
• Sharon Seville, Director and Executive Head Hunter, First Executive Recruitment
• Jon Sibson, Non- executive director and trustee in the housing and educations sectors and was previously a partner of PwC LLP

REC responds to first-ever Long Term NHS Workforce Plan – June 2023

For more information and interview enquiries, contact the REC Press Office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2129 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. Outside of regular office hours, please call 07702 568 829.

Click here to view all REC press releases.

The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for great candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy.

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.

Ends