At Kenect, umbrella compliance sits at the heart of how we operate. We are proud to have achieved SafeRec Plus Agency status, which reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and doing the right things across our supply chain.
What is SafeRec and How Does It Support Umbrella Compliance?
SafeRec is an independent compliance platform built specifically for recruitment agencies. It supports umbrella companies through real-time auditing and helps agencies manage supplier relationships with full visibility. The platform offers two core solutions. First, SafeRec Certification guarantees that umbrella companies have their payroll processes verified against HMRC data. Second, the SafeRec Ecosystem gives agencies tools to manage umbrella companies, automate payslip audits, and generate compliance reports in real time. Notably, SafeRec was named the first-ever UK Supplier to the Recruitment Industry of the Year at the REC Awards 2025.
Why Umbrella Compliance Matters More Than Ever
The regulatory landscape is changing significantly. From April 2026, recruitment agencies will become jointly liable for unpaid PAYE and National Insurance contributions in umbrella arrangements. As a result, agencies can no longer rely on trust alone — they need evidence. HMRC focuses on whether tax was correctly calculated, reported, and paid, and whether agencies can prove it. Furthermore, the reputational consequences of getting this wrong can be severe and long-lasting. Taking a proactive approach is therefore no longer optional.
What SafeRec Plus Agency Status Means for Kenect
Achieving SafeRec Plus Agency status means Kenect actively uses the SafeRec Ecosystem to manage our umbrella company relationships. Each month, we receive detailed supply chain reports that include comprehensive audits of every payslip, confirming payments align with HMRC regulations. This documentation demonstrates that we take clear, measurable steps to protect our candidates and clients.
For clients, it provides greater confidence in how we manage our supply chain. For candidates, moreover, it means their pay undergoes regular, independent verification.
Managing Director Luke Bodell said: “We want to demonstrate more than promises. We want to show evidence that we are doing the right things behind the scenes to ensure compliance, transparency and accountability across our supply chain.”
Part of a Wider Commitment to Compliance
SafeRec Plus status sits alongside our existing accreditations, including REC corporate membership, GLAA licence, and an annual independent audit by BEIS. Together, these form a compliance framework that our clients can rely on and our candidates can trust. Additionally, you can find out more about SafeRec directly on their website.
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