About us.

We Deliver meaningful change that challenges Bias, Improves Equality of opportunity & enhances equity

How it all started

It was eight recruitment companies who came together in November 2020 that began Programme One. The companies came together to discuss removing the inequalities which are restricting and inhibiting the engagement of Black talent in the recruitment sector.

Young mix-raced woman smiling

What we are  committing to

Within our sector there isn’t one that addresses underrepresentation of Black recruiters. A disproportionate underrepresentation.

Simply put…Programme One is a promise and a commitment that collectively and as a force of companies we will be part of removing inequality for Black talent within our industry.

Our Timeline

JULY

2022

Atta joined P1
NOVEMBER

2022

First P1 placement
SEPTEMBER

2023

Jas joined P1
JANUARY

2024

Won our first award at the 2023 Recruiter Investing Awards for the Best Industry Group Advocacy Initiative
MARCH

2024

Doubled in number of partner agencies from 8 initially to 16
APRIL

2024

Relaunched the P1 mentoring scheme
APRIL

2024

Supported 50 Black individuals to secure Recruitment Consultant roles
OCTOBER

2024

Collaborated with Goodman Masson to host our first in-person panel event with all partner agencies to commemorate Black History Month

We aim to challenge the face of recruitment with the support of...

Lenna Cumberbatch
Lenna Cumberbatch
Non Executive Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Respect
Gary Elden OBE
Gary Elden OBE
Non Executive Advisor
Baroness McGregor-Smith CBE
Baroness McGregor-Smith CBE
Responsible for the
‘Race in the Workplace’ review
Close

Programme One provides an important catalyst for change. Recruitment is the gateway to employment and recruiters hold the keys. The cultural and demographic change that Programme One can bring to recruitment will be instrumental in all our ambitions to ensure that every person, regardless of their ethnicity or background, is able to fulfil their potential at work. Programme One members are taking action to address workplace inequality for Black talent within the Recruitment Industry and they have my wholehearted support. I encourage all recruitment firms to sign up to Programme One

Baroness McGregor-Smith


Programme One provides an important catalyst for change. Recruitment is the gateway to employment and recruiters hold the keys.

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Baroness McGregor-Smith


Identify as having black heritage?
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