Eight years is a long time to be part of an organisation – you become part of the people, the conversations, the challenges and the progress. That is certainly true of Neil Carberry, who has been instrumental in driving key developments at World Employment Confederation on behalf of the UK’s Recruitment and Employment Confederation.
Published on 22nd September 2026
As Neil prepares to leave WEC and begin his next chapter as Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), we have been reflecting on the imprints he leaves at WEC.
Neil has served on the WEC Global Board, Global Executive Committee, WEC-Europe Executive Committee and National Federations Committee, and chaired our Quality Standards Working Group. Across these roles, he has brought a strong understanding of the national federation perspective while keeping sight of the wider global picture of the private employment services industry.
That balance has been one of his greatest contributions. If there is one thing we will always remember about Neil, it is that he has never been afraid to ask a difficult question, challenge an assumption or encourage a different way of looking at an issue.
In an organisation like WEC, where different markets and perspectives come together, working with people like Neil is a privilege. They may not always make things straightforward, but more often than not, their questions make you look at an issue from a perspective you may not have considered before.
One area where Neil’s contribution will have a particularly lasting impact is WEC’s Quality Standards. As Chair of the Quality Standards Working Group from 2024 to 2026, he helped establish the process for formalising our members’ compliance with the WEC Code of Conduct.
This was important work for our industry. Quality and professionalism are central to our credibility, and standards need to be meaningful and practical for members while also giving confidence to the wider industry. Neil helped move this work forward and leaves WEC with a strong foundation to build on.
His contribution has also extended beyond formal roles and committees. WEC is a global community, and relationships are a big part of what makes it work. From hosting the Global Board at the REC offices in London to representing WEC at events and meetings around the world, Neil has helped connect colleagues, share perspectives and strengthen the links between our global and national communities.
And, of course, eight years is about more than roles and achievements. It is also about the people you meet and the memories created along the way.
“It has been a real pleasure working with Neil. His expertise, passion, and (British) humor have contributed enormously to increasing the WEC’s value and reputation. I wish Neil the very best in his new professional role. Ad maiora semper!”mentioned Antonio Bonardo, Chief Public Affairs Officer at Gi Group Holding.
Neil leaves WEC at an interesting time for the employment industry. Technology and AI, skills shortages, productivity, labour mobility and changing expectations around work are reshaping the conversations we are having. His move to CIPD feels like a natural next step, keeping him at the heart of those conversations just from a different seat at the table.
For WEC, Neil leaves behind work that will continue to shape the organisation, Quality Standards that will continue to develop and relationships that will remain an important part of our community. He also leaves us with something less tangible but equally valuable: the importance of asking better questions, challenging our thinking and being open to another perspective.
“I have a deep admiration for Neil. Neil always has a sharp observation or strategic insight to offer, whether that is on the future of our industry and our confederation, on global or UK politics, or on his beloved cricket. But Neil is not only a talker, he knows how to get stuff done, and he tirelessly fights for the growth of our industry, and for a world of work that is ethical and just.” highlighted Menno Bart, Head of Policy Advocacy at The Adecco Group.
Neil, this is not goodbye, but au revoir!
