It’s been six months since we secured the top position on the NERARS framework, and Webrecruit is now actively working with several universities nationwide. Recently, we had an opportunity to speak with Sam Gedye, our specialist in higher education recruitment advertising, to learn more about how things are progressing.

 

Could you shed some light on what this NERARS framework is all about and why it’s important for Webrecruit?

 

Sam: Of course! So, NERARS – it’s a bit of a mouthful – stands for National Education Recruitment Advertising and Resourcing Services. Think of it as a trusted pathway for UK universities to get staff recruitment advertising services without the usual fuss. It’s the brainchild of the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium paired with the Universities Advertising Group.

 

Through this framework, members get fantastic value, an easy and legitimate way to the market, future-proof solutions, and a plethora of suppliers to choose from.

 

For us at Webrecruit, it’s like having an open invitation to chat with over 160 UK universities. And here’s the cherry on top: since we’re the first-ranked provider on the framework, universities can directly work with us without wading through heaps of paperwork and processes.

 

What contributed to Webrecruit achieving the top rank on the NERARS framework?

 

Sam: When I think about it, there are three things that really come to mind.

 

First, we’ve always been very competitive in our pricing, especially for services like copywriting and media research.

 

Second, we’re massive believers in using data to guide our decisions. It’s not just about going with the flow but understanding the numbers and making informed choices for recruitment media.

 

And lastly, something we’re incredibly passionate about is our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. It’s not just a buzzword for us; we actively work towards enhancing these strategies.

 

Turning to feedback, what’s the word on the street? How have universities and colleges responded to the services Webrecruit brings to the table?

 

Sam: The response has been heartening, to say the least. Our clients in the HE sector have been vocal about their appreciation, especially highlighting our dedicated Account Management approach. Another aspect that has resonated deeply with them is our commitment to delivering top-notch data. It’s been a cornerstone of our operations, and it’s great to see it making a tangible difference for our partners.

 

How has Webrecruit adapted to the HE sector

 

How does HE recruitment advertising differ from other sectors?

 

Sam: In the HE recruitment world, it’s like a buffet of skills and specialisations – there’s such a rich variety that other sectors rarely touch on. And we’re not blind to the fact pay can be a bit of a tricky point in the HE sector. But that’s where we come in at Webrecruit. We like to focus on other key aspects to what a University has to offer – culture, environment, and all the development opportunities that the sector offers.

 

So, how has Webrecruit tweaked its approach to resonate with the specific needs of HE institutions?

 

Sam: Well, funny enough, we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. We’ve got these principles we swear by from our experiences in other sectors. But, you know, every university has its own flavour, its own charm.

 

So, the real challenge – and the fun part – has been getting to know what makes each university tick. Once we get that, it’s all about painting the right picture for potential candidates and making sure they see all the awesome opportunities on offer.

 

Webrecruit’s approach to sustainability and diversity

 

When it comes to sustainability and diversity, how do they play into the Webrecruit advertising game plan?

 

Sam: They’re absolutely at the heart of everything we do. Each university we collaborate with emphasises these values, but truth be told, we’ve always championed them in our strategies from the get-go.

When it comes to job adverts, it isn’t about merely churning out content. Our approach is thoughtful.

 

We’ve got experts in our copywriting team who are always on the ball, diving into the latest research and best practices related to inclusivity. This ensures we’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely promoting equality.

 

And when you see our visuals? That’s a sincere snapshot of the diverse and dynamic communities in these institutions. We believe in keeping it real and making sure everyone feels seen.

 

The future of Webrecruit on the NERARS Framework

 

Looking ahead, how is Webrecruit gearing up for the evolving landscape of HE recruitment advertising?

 

Sam: We’re always pushing the envelope, and at the core of our strategy is a relentless focus on innovation and continuous improvement. We’re tapping into cutting-edge recruitment technologies, like AI, and leaning heavily into a data-centric approach. This allows us to keenly understand and swiftly respond to emerging recruitment trends in the HE sector.

 

Sounds exciting! Are there any specific plans or projects in the pipeline that you can share?

 

Sam: Absolutely! We’re in the throes of developing a groundbreaking technology platform tailored for HE organisations. This tool will empower users with real-time data, transforming the speed and efficiency of their decision-making processes. If all goes as planned, we’re looking to roll it out by 2024. It’s going to be a game-changer!

 

Standing out in the HE recruitment advertising space

 

With so many players in the HE recruitment advertising arena, what’s the Webrecruit magic? What makes Webrecruit special?

 

Sam: You know, at the heart of it, we’re obsessed with data. Our entire approach is driven by it. It means our Account Managers, and the universities we partner with, always have their fingers on the pulse. Having that real-time information?

 

It’s so critical. It not only helps us spot top talent but also ensures that the universities see the best return on their investment. While I recognise a lot of organisations will say this but we really do have a team who are so passionate about providing a first-class level of service.

 

Our talented team of Account Directors work so hard to make sure they spend time getting to know the University and the HR/recruitment teams we are working with.

 

And for any universities on the fence about teaming up with Webrecruit, any last thoughts?

 

Sam: We’re genuinely excited about the prospect of working with you. We really want to dig deep, understand the unique essence of your institution, and see how we can amplify your recruitment game. Please do get in touch as I’d love to chat over a coffee!