Roberts, who was made chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) in September 2006 before stepping down in May 2007, emerged the winner from a shortlist rounded out by Simon Garbett, Joanne McAuley and Gareth Quarry at the gala black tie dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Roberts told Recruiter: “It means so much to me. I can’t believe it — I was thrilled just to be nominated.” Roberts received an MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace on 10 March for contributions to recruitment and diversity, and she added Recruiter’s accolade to it on 28 April.

It caps a memorable few months for Roberts, who has battled back from ill health and now joins an illustrious list of previous winners.

“To win this award is absolutely fantastic,” Roberts added. “It says a lot about the industry that I can win this award.”

Kim-Marie Freeston, the chairman of Lifeline Personnel, has known Roberts since 2002. She told Recruiter Roberts had left a lasting legacy: “As chief executive of the REC, raising standards and diversity and putting the industry on the map, it could not have gone to a more deserving person.

“We are not a licensed industry but Marcia professionalised the industry and raised the bar. She leaves a very large legacy.”

Freeston, a member of the REC’s board, paid tribute to Roberts’ skill in the political arena. She added: “Marcia is a brilliant lobbyist; she has the ear of the media and the ear of ministers. She is very good at communicating with people on their level.”