As we reflect on 25 brilliant years of QCS Staffing, it could be easy to slip into celebration mode and forget about what’s ahead of us. But that’s not for us! We know that in order to continue achieving our goals, we’ve got to keep striving to work harder, better and in all new ways. This is something QCS Staffing Director Spencer Trigg knows all too well. Here he discusses what’s coming up for us as a business, and indeed what’s happening in the overarching recruitment industry.
What are three things you’re excited about in the coming year at QCS Staffing?
There’s a lot to look forward to in 2017. The first is the ongoing development of our training programmes.
One of our core values is ‘investment in our future’ and we are fully committed to allowing everyone within the company to progress without limitation.
Over the past 18 months, we’ve implemented two specific development programmes to help team members to progress within the business: Fast Track to Delivery Executive (FT2DE) and Fast Track to Sales (FT2S). We developed these programmes in partnership with our external trainers and provide training, coaching and support on a range of topics from time management and presentation skills through to business development and negotiation skills. This is accompanied by role-playing exercises and knowledge sharing sessions with senior members of the team, allowing colleagues to build their confidence and find success.
Over the next year, we will see the individuals who have completed these courses starting to shine. I get extremely excited to see these young professionals soaking up knowledge, sharpening their skills and enjoying what they do. There are more than 20 people at QCS Staffing starting these courses in 2017, so it’s an exciting time for the whole business.
I’m also excited to see progress in our graduate programme. In February 2017 we launched our first Graduate Sales Academy, a nine-month programme designed to support graduates (or those new to the job market or recruitment industry) in progressing from a trainee delivery executive role into a sales position. It includes an eight-week induction period and dedicated coaching sessions delivered by external trainers, management and peers. I am really proud of this programme and so enthused by the colleagues who are on the inaugural journey, and we’ll see a second intake for the Academy in late summer this year.
Finally, I am looking forward to seeing how our people at QCS Staffing grow and progress. QCS Staffing would not be QCS Staffing without the people, as evidenced by our core values such as ‘one team’ and ‘proud to be different’. It is these values that truly make QCS Staffing a unique place to work. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day, working with my colleagues and striving to be the best we can be.
What changes can candidates and clients expect to see over the next few years?
We’re continuing to focus on improving the experiences of both our contractors and clients. Expect to see an automated timesheet system, which will give both contractors and clients an easier and smoother process, and a sustained emphasis on the value of internal and external communications.
What changes are you expecting within the recruitment industry?
Brexit is obviously one to watch for us moving forward. Article 50 has been triggered and negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU will now begin, however we are still no clearer on the impact that this will have, especially with the upcoming General Election. We will continue to keep a very close watch on this to understand what the implications will be.
Another change is the EU General Data Protection Regulation, which comes into effect on 25 May 2018 after a two-year transition period. Designed to harmonise data privacy laws across Europe, the GDPR must be adhered to by all UK companies, so we at QCS Staffing are reviewing the regulation and planning our strategy to meet the required criteria.
We’ll also be keeping an eye on updates in recruitment technology and services. There is a vast array of these on the market, but for us it’s about choosing the technologies that truly add value to the business, rather than just ‘looking nice’ and providing little or no benefit.
Any closing words?
The next year is an exciting one for QCS Staffing. With an amazing team that lives our values every day, I know we will continue to strive for excellence for our contractors and clients whilst thoroughly enjoying what we do.
If you’re interested in joining the brilliant team at QCS Staffing, take a look at our Work at QCS Staffing section of the website here.
Read more about The future of QCS Staffing: Our three-year road map
