<% Response.Buffer = True Response.Expires=0 Response.CacheControl = "Private" Session.timeout = 30 %>

The Consultant

A Quarterly Recruitment Report, Compliments of FCA Recruitment

Do Clients Have Recourse Against Agencies?

At FCA Global Recruitment we have often been asked by our clients what the benefits of being an APSO member are. APSO membership has traditionally meant that a personnel consultancy commits themselves to abide by the high standards that have been set for them by APSO but what exactly does that entail?

We decided to find out more by visiting APSO, (The Association of Personnel Service Organisations of South Africa), whose elected executive operates from Gauteng , and talking to Agnes Haywood, National Office Manager of APSO. "By choosing an APSO affiliated agency, you can be sure that you receive the recruitment service that you deserve," says Ms Haywood. "Trusting a personnel consultancy with confidential and sensitive information is an important issue. When a personnel agency is an APSO member, you can be confident that they adhere to a strict code of ethics as laid down by APSO. APSO also guarantees that there will be an investigation and some form of recourse if an APSO member slips up and delivers shoddy, unprofessional service."

APSO sets the highest standards of service in the recruitment industry by implementing the following principles that must be maintained by every recruitment agency to ensure their continuous APSO membership:

APSO is the only personnel association worldwide that offers a compulsory accreditation exam, which tests the Consultant's knowledge of the correct recruitment process, the latest employment laws and their understanding of APSO's Codes

of Ethics and Conduct.

APSO regularly informs its members of new industry developments, professional business practices and the regulatory environment.

Training is provided regularly to APSO members by distinguished international trainers, keeping them informed on the latest developments within the industry worldwide.

APSO hold an annual "Personnel Agency of the Year Competition" where entrants are carefully judged by the quality of service they provide to their clients. Rewards are given to those who operate their business professionally and with the highest integrity and standards of service.

What recourse is there for a client if they have been wronged by a recruitment agency, or if they feel that the placement procedure wasn't handled in a professional manner?

"APSO's Ethics Committee ensures that the rights of clients are protected by arbitrating in the event of any grievance or dispute that may arise," says Ms Haywood. "Complaints should be made in writing to APSO. As soon as possible after its receipt, the Ethics Committee will send the respondent a copy of the complaint.

Generally the respondent is given a reasonable time to submit written comments on the complaint. If deemed necessary, a hearing may be held and punitive measures may be taken against

the guilty consultant and employment agency. There is no cost attached to this service." Each situation will be judged on merit and treated accordingly - irrespective of whether it is a Fee Arbitration or an ethics issue.

No APSO member is allowed to discriminate against any candidate - either when the candidate applies for employment or is referred to a client - on the grounds of race, sex, age or creed. APSO members undertake to refer the best applicants available for a position at all circumstances. To ensure that their members receive the best advice, APSO have implemented the APSO Legal Hotline - a telephonic query service that helps to solve placement legalities. This service eliminates unnecessary hassles, inconvenience and problems. The Department of Labour and the Minister of Labour acknowledge APSO as the governing body and leading authority on the recruitment industry.

Make sure that the recruitment agency you use, is an APSO member. It makes professional sense and ensures you the highest standard of service.

For more information on APSO, log onto: http://www.apso.co.za

Agnes Haywood, National Office Manager of APSO in Gauteng , helps to ensure that APSO continuously sets the highest standards in the recruitment industry.