The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has launched its Institute of Recruitment Professionals Awards (IRP) scheme for 2009. Previously known as the IM Awards, eentries are now sought for 13 categories including the Eileen Simpson Award for Outstanding Contribution 2009.

Kevin Green, the REC’s Chief Executive, said "the IRP provides the ideal vehicle for us to reward those recruiters who are the standard-bearers within our industry. To win one of these awards, the nominee has to be somebody totally dedicated to upholding professionalism and from the feedback already received from members, we know there are many outstanding people out there worthy of these accolades."