The Professional Contractors Group (PCG) has teamed up with independent recruitment agency scoring website Hirescores.com to launch AgencyWatch, an initiative aimed at encouraging best practice among recruitment agencies.

The joint project between HireScores and AgencyWatch invites members to rate their experience of recruitment firms and give appropriate feedback to agencies on the HireScores website. It will encourage them to share experiences so that all members benefit from a candid view of the best agencies to deal with.

The ratings system, created in conjunction with employers and recruitment agencies, produces aggregate results and rankings that are then displayed online so that clients and candidates can identify best practice at a click. The results can only be accessed and viewed by PCG members.

Commenting on the new service, John Brazier, managing director of PCG, said: “Many of our members rely on recruitment agencies to find their assignments and contract work so we are delighted to be launching AgencyWatch in conjunction with HireScores.”

Lisette Howlett, managing director and founder of HireScores.com, added: "The site isn't about naming and shaming. In fact, many of the recruitment firms we've spoken to are excited about letting their performance speak for itself.