Case Study: From Recruitment Supplier to MSP Provider for Brunel University of London

About The Client

Brunel University of London is a public research university located in London, England. It is named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a Victorian engineer and pioneer of the Industrial Revolution. It became a university in June 1966, when Brunel College of Advanced Technology was awarded a royal charter and became Brunel University.

The Challenge

Adecco has provided recruitment services to Brunel University of London for over 15 years. Throughout our partnership, we have supplied a diverse range of staff categories, with a primary focus on cleaners, student support personnel, and commercial office staff.

In 2022, we entered into a Managed Service Programme (MSP), encompassing professional and general staffing requirements across various disciplines, including finance, IT, HR, estates, projects, library, student services, and office support.

The client needed a recruitment partner who could implement an evolving service delivering strong recruitment, governance, and innovation, ensuring oversight and efficient management of contingent worker needs.

Adecco recommended a hybrid MSP model including:

• A technology solution allowing management of temporary and contract workers from one system.
• Industry-leading market insights to ensure the client remains informed of market changes and areas for process improvement.
• Access to a proven supply chain to assist with hard-to-fill niche roles, including full supplier management from Adecco.
• Data-led management information and insights to drive long-term improvement.

Our Solution

Adecco deliver a fully managed MSP solution through a dedicated on and offsite account team. We focus on high-touch recruitment and strategic engagement delivered through highly experienced personnel.

Hybrid MSP Solution

We follow a hybrid model approach, enabling Adecco to provide a master vendor service utilising direct delivery for most recruitment needs, while also taking advantage of a robust supply chain of niche specialists to support fulfilment for niche and in-demand roles.

Adapting To Client Needs

Working closely with the client on-site has allowed us to gain an in-depth understanding of the client’s recruitment needs, helping us to forecast peaks and troughs and understand the unique cultural requirements of each department.

It has also enabled us to develop the strategic nature of our delivery over time, tailoring our solution to suit the client.

Building A Consultative Approach

Our operational delivery team have built strong relationships with the client’s hiring managers, providing regular market analytics and insights in addition to exemplary procurement and management of the contingent workforce.

This approach ensures the client remains ahead of the curve in relation to market changes and potential innovations.

Utilising VMS Technology

We deployed a bespoke Vendor Management System (Vector VMS) to manage contingent workforce requirements from one system.

During implementation, we built automated approval workflows into the system to drive governance, control and streamline processes. We also incorporated a Power BI business intelligence suite to allow in-depth reporting.

Managing Seasonal Recruitment

Our contract includes a high demand for cleaners and student support staff during seasonal fluctuations. We maintain a talent pool of over 100 cleaners to support these requirements, with planning starting eight weeks in advance of each peak period. We maintain an on-campus presence, allowing us to manage a nearby assessment centre and conduct on-site inductions for new starters.

Recent results include 60 cleaning staff supplied for peak end of year and prior to the start of the following academic year.

Outcomes

Recognising the success of our MSP agreement, the client has included us in their permanent recruitment Preferred Supplier List (PSL). This allows us to comprehensively support both permanent and contingent staffing across the university.

Since being awarded the contract, we have successfully placed over 200 temporary, fixed-term, contract and permanent staff. This includes over 40 specialist IT contractors.

“Working with Adecco on our MSP solution implementation and go-live has been a truly positive experience. Their expertise and dedication ensured a smooth transition, meeting all our needs with tailored solutions. Adecco's proactive communication and collaborative approach made the entire process efficient and enjoyable. We're thrilled with the results and look forward to continued success together.”

— Associate Director of Procurement, Brunel University of London.

Key Results

Since 2022 MSP contract award, we have delivered:

• Improved fulfilment.
• Robust governance and account management.
• A centralised delivery function, underpinned by user-friendly VMS technology.
• Access to expert recruiters and an effective supplier chain for niche roles.
• Improved cost control through the retention of 90% of the supply chain at negotiated markup and pay rates.
• An improved experience for the client’s hiring managers, with Adecco specialists available on campus to contribute to strategy and future hiring needs.

Manage Your Recruitment Needs with Adecco

At Adecco, we have over 20 years of experience helping university clients manage their permanent and contingent recruitment needs, including flexible short-term campaigns, outsourcing of specific services, and longer-term solutions.

We are ready for any challenge, with the proven ability to scale up and down and change course as needed.

Talk to us today.

Contact us