I am writing to correct some of the assertions made in Jeanette Robinson’s letter in your last edition (4 February).

We are widening the criteria of those who want to become individual members (soon to be rebranded) to allow people from other parts of the recruitment industry to join. This is to reflect people’s careers, many of whom now see themselves as professional recruiters regardless of where they work. REC corporate membership remains solely available to recruitment businesses.

On the matter of small business participation, the REC is a broad church and represents the whole industry, large and small, temporary, permanent, executive and interim, in both the public and private sectors — it is this that makes the REC such a powerful voice.

The changes to our governance structure are designed to do two things: to ensure we are representative of every facet of this £27bn industry; and improve our speed of decision-making, so like the industry we represent, we are agile and responsive. It is also worth pointing out that the changes to the governance structure and other strategic decisions are always taken by the full board.

The amount of time required in the future for someone who is on our board and also chairs of one of the key committees is seven days on average. Most of our board are from small recruitment firms. I am co-director of my own small agency and believe that investing some time is my way of putting something back. I have been involved with the trade body for more than 20 years in various nonexecutive roles and I feel helping to ensure that it fights for our industry is a small sacrifice to make for a big return.

We also have many volunteers in the regions and in our thriving sector groups who are predominantly from smaller businesses. Their activism is a powerful tool in the REC’s armoury when influencing government and talking to regional and sector bodies.

Having worked with Kevin Green for nine months, I can honestly say that his professionalism and passion for the job is second to none, and his recognition of the contribution of all the non-executive involved within the REC is voiced constantly.

During these difficult times, the REC will continue to focus on the issues facing our members and encourage the industry to speak with one voice.