Ship Shape Agency Recruitment Research (Capita Symonds August 2005)

INTRODUCTION & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Capita Symonds conducted research amongst 12 major building contractors. The survey was sponsored by Ship Shape Resources, a construction recruitment agency who wish to better understand client needs. The questionnaire focused on recruitment practices in the marketplace from the perspective of contractors.

The key findings of this report are that contractors prefer agencies with the following qualities:

Listening and matching skills : Taking the time to understand what the clients’ issues are, precisely what skills are required, and then providing exactly that, rather than a substitute or lower skill set.
Flexibility : having creative and adaptable services to match changing needs of the client, and to suggest new solutions to client issues.
Health and safety: A demonstrable health and safety focus to ensure standards on site do not slip when temporary workers are required. Excellent knowledge of English is essential.

DECISION MAKING ON RESOURCING

The contractors interviewed had a wide range of policies in relation to the recruitment of labour for projects. Some organisations will recruit centrally utilising an IT database whilst others recruit on a project by project basis.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH SUPPLIERS

Contractors may identify resources through internet searches for agencies, which can provide them with the required labour on a given project. Contractors need to able to hire competent labour quickly who are compliant with all relevant Health & Safety regulations.

AGENCY RECRUITMENT PRE-REQUISITES

Contractor’s pre-requisite requirements of agencies differ, however it is preferred if the agency has the following:

Health & Safety reporting
Past Performance
CSCS qualification
Training records
ISO9001 / Internal Quality Management System

Most emphasis is placed on Health & Safety reporting, training records and past performance. Contractors want suppliers that can ensure high standards on site when a temporary worker is required.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT OF SUPPLIERS

There is no industry standard used by contractors to measure the performance of labour suppliers. However the large majority of respondent organisations do have internal performance measurement procedures that help them to evaluate the performance of a given supplier. Important variables that suppliers tend to be evaluated on are:

Ability to supply the market
The quality of the work carried out
Ability to adhere to Health & Safety regulations

UK MARKET TRENDS

Many organisations are focusing more on corporate responsibility incorporating Sustainability, Environmental Awareness, and Health & Safety policies at a strategic level. Corporate Responsibility is significant in the construction industry.

There is a growing market trend of employing labour from abroad due to the lack of supply in the marketplace of competent British professionals. Suppliers who can provide a flexible range of labour in a variety of skill sets, as well as a high level of competency are in high demand. Contractor needs change continuously and so they look for suppliers who offer innovative and adaptable services to match those changing needs.

QUALIFICATION PRE-REQUISITES

Industry Standard qualifications relevant to each specific trades are required by the large majority of contractors for all operatives working on site. In addition CSCS is either a mandatory pre-requisite or at minimum an ideal requirement. All operatives must be able to understand Health & Safety signs and notices on site.