Haberdashers Hatcham College – Year 10 Practice Interview Day
May 2026
This week, Year 10 students at Haberdashers Hatcham College took part in a practice interview day, giving them a valuable taste of the professional world ahead of their upcoming work experience placements.
Supported by a brilliant group of volunteers, students had the opportunity to sit face-to-face with employers, answer interview-style questions, and receive real, constructive feedback. The impact was clear - students left the day visibly proud of themselves, with many saying it had boosted their confidence and left them feeling far more prepared for future opportunities.
We were delighted to be involved. Dedicate Recruitment's Founder and Recruitment Director, Liz Nevitt, attended on behalf of the team, bringing her expertise and genuine passion for supporting young talent to the day.
A heartfelt thank you to the school and every volunteer who gave their time. Your encouragement and feedback made a real difference - and seeing students walk away proud of themselves is the best possible outcome.
At Dedicate Recruitment, supporting the next generation isn't just something we do - it's something we're truly passionate about.
Faversham Hopper wins Mayor's Civic Team Award
May 2026
We're delighted to share that the Faversham Hopper Community Bus Service has been awarded the Swale Borough Council Mayor's Civic Team Award - and our own Ops Director, Dan Nevitt, is among the dedicated volunteers who earned it.
Dan has been volunteering as a driver for the Hopper for eight months, and describes it as one of the most rewarding things he's ever done. The service was created out of genuine need: in October 2022, several bus routes in and around Faversham were withdrawn, cutting off rural and isolated communities from shops, GP surgeries, dentists and other essential services. Following a successful funding bid by Faversham Town Council in April 2024, the Faversham Hopper was established to fill that gap.
The heart of the service is its team of volunteer drivers, who show up week after week simply because they care. They help passengers with limited mobility on and off the bus, call out stops for those who are visually impaired, and make sure confused passengers alight safely. They notice when a regular face hasn't been seen in a while - and for some riders, the conversation on the bus may be the only one they have all day.
For many passengers, this isn't just a bus. It's the difference between independence and isolation - connection, dignity, and a lifeline.
The Mayor's Civic Awards exist to recognise exactly this kind of quiet, consistent, selfless contribution. Congratulations to Dan and every volunteer on this well-deserved recognition. True community heroes.
Haberdashers' Aspire Mentoring Programme
May 2026
Dedicate Recruitment founder Liz Nevitt recently took part in the Habs Aspire mentoring programme, meeting Sixth Form student Alfie from Crayford Academy as part of an initiative designed to broaden students' horizons and build confidence as they prepare to enter the wider world.
Habs Aspire forms part of Haberdashers' Advantage - a programme of activities run by the Haberdashers' family of schools, which educates 12,000 children and young people across its network. Drawing on centuries of history and endowment, Haberdashers' Advantage exists to create connections, harness expertise and open doors for the benefit of its school community. The Aspire mentoring strand specifically aims to increase Sixth Form students' awareness of different career paths and help them access the broader Haberdashers' community as they move into adulthood.
As one of the Haberdashers' Academies Trust South's recruitment partners, Dedicate Recruitment has a natural connection to the Trust's mission - and Liz's involvement in the programme reflects the company's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. Speaking after her first in-person meeting with Alfie, Liz said: "It was such a pleasure meeting Alfie in person for the first time this week. He is a genuinely warm person, mature beyond his years, and with a real sense of goodness about him. The school is lucky to have him!"
Dedicate Recruitment is proud to support the next generation of talent and looks forward to continuing its partnership with Haberdashers' Academies Trust South.
.png/:/rs=w:400,cg:true,m)
FREE WHITE PAPER: The Apprenticeship Levy Guide
April 2026
The apprenticeship levy is a government-mandated training fund that schools and academy trusts are already paying into - but most aren't using it.
Employers with a pay bill over £3m contribute 0.5% into a ring-fenced account. The government tops it up by 10%. Smaller schools below the threshold pay just 5% of training costs, with the government covering the rest.
The funds can be used to recruit new support staff or develop people already in post. And if they're not spent within 24 months, they expire and go back to the government.
For many HR leads and business managers in education, levy funds are sitting unspent - while support staff vacancies go unfilled and budgets get tighter.
We've written a practical guide to help schools and academy trusts use the levy strategically, covering which apprenticeship standards apply to support roles, how the 20% off-the-job requirement actually works in practice, and a five-step starting point for HR leads and business managers.
Employment Law : Key Changes for Schools and Their Support Staff
April 2026
From today, 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage rises to £12.71 per hour - a 4.1% increase on last year's rate.
At the same time, the Employment Rights Act 2025 continues to reshape the landscape for temporary and contract workers across the public sector. For schools and education organisations that rely on temporary support staff - finance officers, HR administrators, IT technicians, facilities and premises teams - these changes matter. Here's what's worth knowing right now:
𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴. The Act introduces rights to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, and payment for short-notice cancellations - including for agency workers. This affects how temporary candidates are engaged and what they can reasonably expect.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. From April, the waiting period is removed and the earnings threshold is abolished - meaning more temporary workers will qualify from day one.
𝗗𝗮𝘆-𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀. Paternity and unpaid parental leave are now available from the first day of employment - regardless of contract type.
For education employers, this is a prompt to review how temporary and interim support staff are engaged, contracted and paid. For candidates, it's a reminder that your rights are strengthening - and that working with a specialist recruiter who understands the education sector means you're placed with employers who take compliance seriously.
Celebrating National Careers Week
March 2026
This week, our Recruitment Director Liz Nevitt took time out to do something close to our hearts - investing in the next generation of talent.
As part of National Careers Week 2026 (2nd – 7th March) Liz delivered a careers workshop at KITE College, a specialist SEND post-16+ education provider, covering CV writing, cover letters and the pathways available to students after college. By all accounts, the energy in the room was fantastic - with thoughtful questions, honest conversations and a real sense of focus and determination from every student present.
For many SEND students, the transition from college into the wider world can feel daunting. That's why early, tailored careers support is so important - not just information, but genuine advocacy, confidence-building and meaningful exposure to real employers and opportunities.
We're incredibly proud of Liz for giving her time and expertise so generously, and we'd like to extend a huge thank you to Katy Tibbles at KITE College for the invitation. We very much look forward to the next session.
New Year Business Plans
January 2026
We're heading into 2026 with real momentum and a continued focus on delivering the best possible service to both clients and candidates.
While 2025 was a challenging year for public sector recruitment, we’ve remained buoyant and are proud to have built relationships with a number of vital new client contacts along the way. This growth has been reflected in our digital presence too, with organic website visitors up 15% year-on-year and social media engagement increasing significantly - particularly on LinkedIn, where many of our most valuable conversations now begin.
Behind the scenes, we’re also in the process of upgrading our CRM system, which will allow us to provide a more responsive, personalised and efficient experience for everyone we work with. That means better communication, faster and more accurate matching, and a deeper understanding of your workforce needs - whether you’re planning for short-term cover or long-term recruitment strategies.
As we move toward 2026, our focus remains on building long-term partnerships, prioritising quality over quantity, and continually improving how we support the public sector. If you’re already thinking ahead to the next academic year or future workforce planning, we’d love to be part of that conversation.
The Year in Review
December 2025
As we begin to wrap up another incredible year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the milestones, memories, and meaningful connections that have shaped 2025 for us.
This year brought opportunities to engage directly with future talent through multiple career fairs, and company founder Liz Nevitt continued her inspiring guest presentations for Year 11 PSHE classes at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham. In June, we were proud to attend the Inspiring Leadership Conference - an energising reminder of the power of purpose-driven leadership in education. We also celebrated a major business milestone: six years of doing what we love. Reaching this point has only been possible because of the trust and partnership of the clients, candidates, and colleagues who work with us.
A true highlight was being recognised as an Education Today Award finalist for School Recruitment Support Company of the Year - an honour that reflects our team’s dedication to making a positive impact. “We love what we do, and we’re incredibly grateful for the relationships we’ve built along the way,” said Liz. “It’s been an exciting and rewarding journey.”
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story so far. Here’s to continued growth, collaboration, and making a difference in 2026.
To enjoy the festive season, the office will be closing on 19th December and reopening on 5th January 2026. Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Inspiring the next generation!
November 2025
This week, our Director and Founder Liz Nevitt is proud to continue her fifth year of being invited to guest present PSHE classes for Year 11 students at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham.
Liz’s sessions focus on CV writing, interview techniques, and practical advice to help students navigate the transition from school to the world of work.
At Dedicate Recruitment, we’re passionate about supporting education not only through our recruitment services but also by helping young people build confidence and essential skills for their future careers.
A big thank you to Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School for welcoming Liz back once again - it’s always a privilege to be part of helping students take their next steps with knowledge and confidence.
Driving Community Spirit
November 2025
At Dedicate Recruitment, we’re proud to celebrate the people who live our values beyond the workplace - and our Operations Director, Dan Nevitt, is a perfect example.
Dan has recently started volunteering as a minibus driver for the Faversham Hopper Community Bus Service, supported by Faversham Town Council. The Hopper is far more than just a bus - it’s a vital community service that connects people, reduces isolation, and offers an affordable, inclusive way for everyone in the area to get around.
Reflecting on his experience, Dan shared: “It’s amazing how something as simple as a local bus service can help build friendships, keep people independent, and strengthen the fabric of our town. For me, volunteering is a small way to give back to the place I call home - and a reminder that when we all contribute a little, it can make a big difference.”
We couldn’t agree more. At Dedicate Recruitment, we’re inspired by Dan’s commitment to his community - and we encourage anyone looking for a meaningful way to get involved locally to follow his lead. Small acts of service truly make a big impact.
Education Today Award Finalists!
October 2025
Dedicate Recruitment are now finalists in the Education Today Awards 2025 as 'School Recruitment Support Company of the Year'🎉
Brought to you by Education Today, these awards celebrate the suppliers, schools, and individuals who go above and beyond for the greater good of the education sector. With the motto “your sector, your choice”, winners are chosen by the people who know best - those working with these services day in, day out.
We’re incredibly proud to be recognised for the work we do in supporting schools for the past six years. The awards ceremony in London later this year promises to be a fantastic celebration of everything that makes the education sector so special.
Celebrating 4 Years of Dedication: Dan Nevitt, Operations Director
August 2025
This month, we’re celebrating a major milestone - Dan Nevitt has completed four years at Dedicate Recruitment!
Since stepping into the role of Operations Director, Dan has played a pivotal role in shaping how we show up - both behind the scenes and out in the world.
Whether he’s optimising systems and operational delivery for impact and efficiency, steering our social media and content with insight and originality or championing a people-first, values-driven culture, Dan does it all with clarity, creativity and consistency.
He’s not just kept us running smoothly - he’s helped us grow, connect and deliver our purpose in public sector recruitment more effectively than ever. From shaping our public voice to strengthening internal systems, Dan’s contribution touches every part of the business - and we’re incredibly proud to have him on our team.
Dedicate Recruitment Marks Six Years of Growth and Gratitude
July 2025
Dedicate Recruitment is proud to celebrate six successful years in business, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey within the recruitment industry.
Since launching, the team at Dedicate Recruitment has remained committed to its mission: building lasting partnerships, expanding a trusted network, and connecting the right talent with the right roles.
“We love what we do, and we’re incredibly grateful for the relationships we’ve built along the way,” said founder Liz Nevitt. “It’s been an exciting and rewarding journey.”
Despite ongoing challenges in the recruitment landscape, Dedicate Recruitment continues to thrive by focusing on core values: working hard, working smart, staying resilient - and always celebrating the wins.
The company also extended heartfelt thanks to its clients and candidates, acknowledging their crucial role in helping Dedicate Recruitment reach this anniversary. With an eye on the future and a passion for purpose-driven recruitment, the team looks forward to many more birthdays to come.
