The chairman of the REC's board of directors says the recruitment trade body is "in good hands" with acting chief executive Helen Reynolds, in the wake of CEO Marcia Roberts' departure.

At a press briefing last Thursday, chairman Gary Irvine said that the board was "in discussions" about how the organisation will ultimately fill the CEO's role. However, REC is not currently recruiting for a successor for Roberts, who stepped down two weeks ago because of ill health.

Irvine said that the REC will continue its drive to achieve chartered status, a goal sought by Roberts. If achieved, chartered status would elevate the recruitment industry to greater professional recognition.

Roberts was appointed CEO last September after her predecessor in the REC's top staff position, managing director Gareth Osborne, resigned. "She has been absolutely fantastic in that role," Irvine said. Her departure, he added, represented "a sad loss" to the organisation.