Recruitment Governing Body | The British Institute of Recruiters
The professional governing body for UK recruitment
The British Institute of Recruiters (BIOR) is the professional certification and membership body for UK recruitment. We set standards through certification, hold members to a code of professional conduct, and carry the industry's voice to government. UK recruitment has no statutory governing body. Membership of a professional body such as BIOR is how agencies show clients they work to an earned standard.
What that means in practice in 2026
We certify recruitment agencies and individual recruiters against a published standard. We maintain the BIOR Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct. We respond formally to government consultations that shape the industry, our response to the guaranteed hours consultation was submitted in August 2026 and our holiday pay response follows in September. We publish plain English guidance on the Employment Rights Act changes and the Fair Work Agency through our free Employment Rights Hub, refreshed weekly. Member agencies also receive a monthly white label Client Briefing to send to their own clients.
If you run an agency and want the standard mark clients trust, start with Agency Membership.
The British Institute of Recruiters represents the highest standard mark in British recruitment and provides Recruitment Best Practice Guidance, Training, Education & Networking to HR teams, Agency & In-House Recruiters with unrivalled services and innovation.
Key offerings by the Institute include:
- Membership for companies and individuals
- Recruitment & HR Apprenticeships
- Recruitment Training Courses
- Best Practice and Guidance
- Networking and Offers
- SplitFee Network
- Recruitment News
Our members range from micro businesses to global recruiting brands. We are trusted by thousands of recruiters and our badge is recognised by HR professionals.
Our accreditations and trusted symbols of quality that ensures the industry is being better trained and ready for the next phase of the global recruitment industry.
Our membership resources include guides, reports, template documents, contracts, news subscriptions free and discounted training, job board discounts and more.
Members can also have free insurance and payroll health checks. Access to a SplitFee network with over 1000 recruitment agencies is also offered free of charge.
The British Institute of Recruiters - BIoR – also delivers engaging Recruitment & HR Apprenticeships that are a great way to train your staff via government funding. Our experience tutors deliver face to face teaching sessions in your workplace, even if it’s for 1 learner. Our tutors are highly qualified, and our course material is best-in-class, ensuring our training delivers excellent results for your business and your people.
Our Job Board discounts for members allow you to access the best job boards at heavily discounted rates, exclusively for our members. We work with Reed, Jobsite and CV Library.
Our dedicated legal helpline provides members with direct access to lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, a first-class national law firm that will have the knowledge and experience to correctly guide you through any legal issues your business is experiencing.
If you would like a chat about our membership offer, please call us or email us and we can discuss how we can support your business and your valued employees.