National Inclusion Week is here, and this year&rsquo;s theme - &ldquo;Now is the Time&rdquo; - couldn&rsquo;t be more relevant. In a climate where inclusion efforts face increasing scrutiny and workplaces are navigating new employment rights legislation, we believe this is the perfect moment to reaffirm our commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive future of work.
At Acorn by Synergie, we know that inclusion isn&rsquo;t just a nice-to-have - it&rsquo;s a business imperative. Diverse teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and deliver stronger results. More importantly, an inclusive recruitment process ensures that everyone, regardless of background, has equal access to opportunities.
That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re proud to be part of Opening Doors, Business in the Community&rsquo;s flagship inclusive recruitment campaign. Opening Doors is built around five keys to inclusive recruitment - and we&rsquo;ve made them a cornerstone of how we work:
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1. Creating Partnerships to Connect Untapped Talent
We partner with organisations such as Cardiff Council&rsquo;s IntoWork programme, School of Hard Knocks, and the Re-Construct network to connect people from under-represented groups with meaningful work opportunities. From those who&rsquo;ve faced long-term unemployment to people with disabilities or caring responsibilities, we&rsquo;re expanding our partnerships to reach even more communities, including older workers and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
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2. Showing Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our values are visible in everything we do - from inclusive job adverts to diverse imagery in our campaigns. Every colleague at Acorn completes inclusive recruitment and EDI training, and we share our commitments publicly, including being a Disability Confident employer. Over the next year, we&rsquo;ll be sharing more real-life success stories and case studies to demonstrate what inclusion looks like in action.
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3. Writing Inclusive Job Descriptions
Language matters. We monitor every job description for gender bias and other exclusionary language, using tools like Broadbean and AI support. This ensures we are speaking to as wide an audience as possible and encouraging candidates who might otherwise self-select out to apply.
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4. Focusing on Skills, Not Just CVs
We know that traditional hiring practices can unintentionally exclude capable people. That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re shifting towards skills-based recruitment, accepting personal profiles as well as CVs and encouraging clients to recognise non-traditional experience.
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5. Prioritising Accessibility and Removing Bias
We&rsquo;re committed to making our application process as accessible as possible. Candidates can request adjustments at any stage, register in-branch if digital access is a barrier, and complete mobile-friendly applications. We&rsquo;re also reviewing where we ask about criminal convictions to ensure it doesn&rsquo;t create unnecessary barriers for talented candidates.
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Why &ldquo;Now is the Time&rdquo;
This year&rsquo;s National Inclusion Week calls on all of us to act with urgency and purpose. With strengthened worker protections and enhanced rights for parents and carers, there has never been a better time to embed inclusion in the workplace. For us, this means moving beyond performative gestures and ensuring that inclusive recruitment is at the heart of everything we do &ndash; not just during National Inclusion Week, but every day.
We&rsquo;re proud of the progress we&rsquo;ve made, but we also know there&rsquo;s always more we can do. Now is the time to listen, learn, and keep opening doors - together.

Now is the Time: How Acorn by Synergie is Opening Doors to Inclusive Recruitment

Leading recruitment specialist Acorn by Synergie and commercial law firm <a href="https://www.darwingray.com/">Darwin Gray</a> are proud to announce a new partnership with <a href="https://www.beamtraining.co.uk/">Beam Training</a> to deliver a dynamic new series of Wales HR Network events over the next 12 months.
Kicking off this November, the four-part event series will bring together HR professionals from across Wales for engaging panel discussions covering key topics in recruitment, employment law, wellbeing, and the impact of AI and tech in HR.
Each session will feature expert insights, open Q&amp;A opportunities, and valuable networking.
The partnership aims to provide leaders, managers and HR professionals with access to expertise in employment law, HR, recruitment, wellbeing and personal development, aiming to empower professionals in HR and beyond, including anyone in a people-centric role.
The first session is on 20 November led by Acorn by Synergie, hosted by Ogi. The expert panel is set to explore how organisations attract top talent and build a compelling employer brand in a competitive labour market.
The first event of 2026 will take place on 12 February at Cardiff Business School, led by Darwin Gray, where the expert panel will discuss the latest updates in employment law and what they mean for HR and the future of the workplace.
Fflur Jones, Managing Partner at Darwin Gray said: &ldquo;We are delighted to be launching this collaboration between the Wales HR Network and Beam Training. This new phase of the network strengthens our commitment to delivering valuable learning opportunities to empower leaders, managers and their teams.&rdquo;
Andrew Tugwell, COO at Acorn by Synergie, added: &ldquo;This partnership is a fantastic step forward, and we&rsquo;re excited to continue creating opportunities to connect and share ideas.&rdquo;
The spring event will take place on 14 May, hosted by Confused.com, with experts from Beam Training leading the discussion on wellbeing and personal development.
Lianne Weaver, MD, Beam Development and Training, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re so excited about this partnership and looking forward to supporting those people who support everyone else&rdquo;.
The event series is set to conclude in September 2026, with an event in partnership with FinTech Wales, hosted once again by Ogi. The expert panel will explore AI use in HR and the workplace.
Attendees are encouraged to come with questions and insights to contribute to the discussions and help shape the conversation in each session.
Event details can be found on the <a href="https://www.waleshrnetwork.cymru/">Wales HR Network website</a>. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-power-an-expert-panel-series-tickets-1662817605219?aff=WHRNseriesPR">Book tickets here</a>.

Acorn by Synergie and Darwin Gray partner with Cardiff’s Beam Training for series of Wales HR Network Events

Leading UK recruitment company Acorn by Synergie is proud to announce a renewed five-year contract with long-standing partner Vale, one of the world&rsquo;s largest nickel producers. 
This new contract maintains the successful 10-year collaboration between Vale and Acorn by Synergie that has seen 95 contract positions filled to date - 24 of which have now become permanent roles.
Vale has over 120 years of production history and continues to play a key role in South Wales&rsquo; engineering and manufacturing sectors. 
The extended partnership with Acorn reinforces Vale&rsquo;s commitment to attracting and retaining top-tier talent across its diverse operational functions.
Acorn by Synergie has consistently delivered exceptional support, achieving a 95% fulfilment rate and reporting 96% candidate satisfaction in 2024, a testament to the strong alignment between both organisations.
Andrew Putterill, Engineering Manager at Acorn by Synergie said: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s fantastic to be approaching a decade working alongside Vale. 
&ldquo;Over the years, we&rsquo;ve proudly placed talented professionals into critical roles across Engineering and Technology, Manufacturing, Health and Safety, HR and Quality, Commercial and Office Support, and Accountancy and Finance. 
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re excited to see what we can achieve together in the next five years as we continue to match great people with great opportunities.&rdquo;
Peter Rees, Head of HR from Vale added: &ldquo;We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Acorn by Synergie for another five years. 
Their understanding of our needs, combined with initiatives such as their Acorn Impact strategy, strong wellbeing policies, and forward-thinking approach to AI and automation, made them a natural choice for our future workforce development.&rdquo;
Late last year, Acorn by Synergie launched its Acorn Impact strategy, with a pledge to dedicate 10,000 working hours over three years toward tackling barriers to employment and enhancing social mobility in communities across the UK. 
This purpose-led approach includes workshops, mentoring, partnerships, job fairs, and outreach to under-represented groups, all aimed at empowering people from all backgrounds to progress in their careers.
Acorn Impact also embodies the company&rsquo;s belief that businesses must actively address social challenges by creating opportunities and reducing inequalities. It stands as a key pillar in Acorn by Synergie&rsquo;s ongoing commitment to promoting positive change beyond the workplace.
&nbsp;

Acorn by Synergie and Vale announce new five-year partnership, after a successful decade of working together 

With the Women&rsquo;s Rugby World Cup in full swing, we&rsquo;re seeing some brilliant moments on the pitch - but there&rsquo;s more to it than big tackles and last-minute tries. Behind every great team is smart planning, strong leadership, and a clear understanding of how people work best together.
And funnily enough, those are the same things that matter when it comes to hiring.
Here are a few lessons recruitment professionals can take from the world&rsquo;s best women&rsquo;s rugby teams:
<h3 data-start="772" data-end="821">1. Spotting Potential - Not Just Paper Skills</h3>
Top rugby teams don&rsquo;t just pick players who can run fast or hit hard. They look for people who can read the game, lead under pressure, and play their part in something bigger.
It&rsquo;s the same with hiring. The best candidates aren&rsquo;t always the ones with the longest CV or the most certificates. Often, they&rsquo;re the ones who:
<ul>
<li data-start="1148" data-end="1161">Think ahead.</li>
<li data-start="1164" data-end="1188">Step up when it counts.</li>
<li data-start="1191" data-end="1247">Bring emotional intelligence and awareness to the team.</li>
</ul>
The takeaway: Don&rsquo;t just look at what someone can do today - ask yourself if they could grow into a key player for the future.
<h3 data-start="1386" data-end="1424">2. Resilience Doesn&rsquo;t Show on a CV</h3>
Many of the women competing in this World Cup have trained for years, balanced full-time jobs, dealt with injuries, and kept pushing forward even when no one was watching. That level of grit isn&rsquo;t something you&rsquo;ll find on a CV - but it&rsquo;s exactly what sets people apart in the workplace.
In interviews, it&rsquo;s easy to focus on polish and presentation. But the person who&rsquo;s had to fight to get where they are? That&rsquo;s someone who knows how to handle challenges and keep going.
The takeaway: Look for signs of resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset - they often matter more than experience alone.
<h3 data-start="2037" data-end="2080">3. It&rsquo;s About Team Fit, Not Just Talent</h3>
In rugby, the best teams aren&rsquo;t just made of stars - they&rsquo;re built on trust, communication, and people who play well together. A standout winger is only effective if the whole team is behind them.
It&rsquo;s no different at work. The most technically qualified person might not always be the best hire. Someone who works well with others, fits the team culture, and brings a positive energy can make a much bigger impact.
The takeaway: Don&rsquo;t just hire for skills - hire for team dynamics. Ask: Will this person make the team better?
<h3 data-start="2623" data-end="2641">Final Thoughts</h3>
The Women&rsquo;s Rugby World Cup isn&rsquo;t just great to watch - it&rsquo;s full of lessons about what makes a team truly work. It&rsquo;s not just about talent on paper, but how people lead, support each other, and keep going no matter what.
<h3 data-start="2871" data-end="2915">Looking to Build or Join a Winning Team?</h3>
At Acorn by Synergie, we don&rsquo;t just match CVs to job specs. We look at the whole person - their potential, mindset, and what they bring to the wider team.&nbsp;Whether you&rsquo;re a candidate ready for your next challenge, or a business looking to hire people who&rsquo;ll go the distance - we&rsquo;re here to help.
Let&rsquo;s build your winning team.
Get in touch with Acorn by Synergie today.

What Women’s Rugby Can Teach Us About Hiring Great People

If a 'job offer' or a 'recruiter' asks you to pay money upfront - stop. It&rsquo;s almost certainly a scam.
In today&rsquo;s job market, scammers are getting more sophisticated, often posing as legitimate companies or recruiters to trick job seekers into handing over cash or personal information. But here&rsquo;s a simple truth: real employers never charge you to get hired.
Whether you&rsquo;re applying for an entry-level role or a senior position, understanding how legitimate hiring works can protect you from fraud. In this post, we&rsquo;ll break down why real companies never ask for payment during the hiring process - and how to spot the red flags before it&rsquo;s too late.
<div class="SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">1. Hiring is an Employer&rsquo;s Responsibility - Not Yours&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
When a company hires someone, they&rsquo;re investing in you. That means they cover the costs associated with recruiting, training, and onboarding. In real hiring processes, the employer pays recruiters, not candidates.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">2. Asking for Payment is a Huge Red Flag&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
Scammers often pose as employers or recruiters and request money for:&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<ul>
<li>Application fees</li>
<li>Background checks</li>
<li>Training materials</li>
<li>Equipment</li>
<li>"Guaranteed" job placements&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
Legitimate companies never charge for these things upfront - and the moment money is requested, it&rsquo;s likely a scam.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">3. It&rsquo;s Illegal or Unethical in Most Countries&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
In many places, it&rsquo;s against labour laws or recruitment regulations to charge job seekers to access job opportunities. Reputable businesses and agencies follow employment laws and avoid anything that could exploit or mislead applicants.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">4. Legit Companies Want to Attract, Not Discourage Talent&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
Asking for money upfront creates barriers and deters good candidates. Real companies want to make it easy for skilled people to apply and join, not harder.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">5. The Hiring Process Is a Two-Way Evaluation&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
</div>
<div class="SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
A professional hiring process is about mutual fit - the company evaluates you, and you evaluate the company. No payment should be required to participate in interviews, take assessments, or receive offers.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">Common Scam Tactics That Real Companies Avoid:</h3>
</div>
<div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">&ldquo;Pay &pound;50 to process your application.&rdquo;</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">&ldquo;Send&nbsp;&pound;200 for equipment before starting your remote job.&rdquo;</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">&ldquo;Transfer a deposit to secure your interview slot.&rdquo;</li>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll reimburse you later&nbsp;- just send the money now.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
All of these are scams. Legit companies don't operate like this.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW64248581 BCX8">The Bottom Line:&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
If someone asks you to pay money to get a job - walk away. It&rsquo;s not real.&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW64248581 BCX8">
Instead, report it to the job board, the company being impersonated, or local authorities. Your time, money, and personal info are too valuable to waste on scammers.&nbsp;
</div>
</div>

Why Real Companies Don’t Ask for Payment During Hiring

This month, Acorn by Synergie celebrated its first year anniversary of partnering with 4theRegion.
The relationship has played a part in supporting Acorn&rsquo;s Impact strategy, which focuses on generating positive social, economic, and environmental change in communities across the UK. Working with 4theRegion strengthens our commitment to regional development and collaboration.
4theRegion brings together businesses, individuals, and organisations who share a vision for a thriving, resilient, and inclusive South West Wales. It focuses on place-based regeneration, community wellbeing, and sustainable economic growth - values that strongly align with Acorn&rsquo;s mission under the Acorn Impact strategy.
Acorn Impact is a powerful and ambitious initiative that will see 10,000 hours of company time dedicated over three years to enhance social mobility and reduce&nbsp;inequality. Through this strategy, Acorn by Synergie will engage directly with diverse and under-represented communities, offering support through workshops, mentoring sessions, job fairs, and local partnerships designed to unlock people&rsquo;s potential and improve career opportunities for all.
Membership of 4theRegion provides Acorn by Synergie with a valuable network to amplify these efforts. It allows Acorn by Synergie to work alongside like-minded organisations, share insights and best practices, and identify new ways to support community-led development. The collaborative environment offered by 4theRegion means Acorn by Synergie can connect directly with grassroots initiatives, local employers, educators, and civic groups to co-create solutions that promote fair access to employment and skills development across the region.
Key to the success of Acorn Impact is the belief that businesses have a responsibility to address social challenges and contribute to a fairer society. The initiative is designed not only to improve individual lives but also to create stronger, more equitable communities. By participating in events, hosting workshops, and promoting inclusive hiring practices through its partnership with 4theRegion, Acorn by Synergie can help ensure that the benefits of economic development in South West Wales are shared more widely.
The collaboration will also support Acorn&rsquo;s environmental and sustainability goals, another key pillar of the Acorn Impact programme. Working with 4theRegion gives Acorn by Synergie the opportunity to support place-based environmental projects and contribute to initiatives that build resilience in local economies while protecting the natural environment.
Acorn by Synergie&rsquo;s involvement with 4theRegion represents more than just a business partnership - it is a declaration of its long-term commitment to community engagement, inclusion, and regional prosperity. 
Together, through shared values and collective action, Acorn by Synergie and 4theRegion are helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future for South West Wales and beyond.

Acorn by Synergie celebrates first year anniversary of partnering with 4theRegion

<h4 class="MsoNormal">The Wales HR Network hosted its flagship event, The Future of Work Conference 2025, at the ICC Wales in Newport last week. </h4>
This gathering, held on Wednesday May 14th, brought together HR professionals, business leaders, and experts from across the UK to explore the ever-evolving world of work.
Hosted by acclaimed broadcaster Sian Lloyd, the conference featured a programme of keynote speeches, interactive panels, and thought-provoking discussions. 
Among the highlights was a compelling session by Lynda Campbell, who explored the challenges and opportunities of managing a multi-generational workforce. She emphasised the importance of prioritising mindset and transferable skills to foster adaptability across all age groups.
Dr. David Frayne presented groundbreaking findings from national pilots on the four-day workweek, sparking lively debate around productivity, wellbeing, and the potential for long-term societal benefits.
Focusing on employee wellbeing, Annabelle Llanes Sierra delivered a powerful session on designing healthy workplaces, and Jamie Green&rsquo;s address on neurodiversity in the workplace provided practical strategies for creating neurodivergent-friendly environments and highlighted how inclusivity leads to stronger, more creative teams.
A legal panel led by Darwin Gray examined current and upcoming changes in employment law. Experts discussed the implications of emerging legislation, preparing attendees for future shifts in employment law practices, and encouraging proactive adaptation by employers of forthcoming changes.
Fflur Jones, Managing Partner at Darwin Gray, said &ldquo;We have been delighted with the response to the Future of Work conference. Bringing together leaders to share knowledge and build networks is what the Wales HR Network is all about and we are proud to have been a part of sharing such important topics to help empower HR professionals and leaders in Wales.&rdquo;
Reflecting on the day, Bernard Ward, Managing Director of Acorn by Synergie, said: &ldquo;It was a great event, bringing all the experts together to share their insights. There are lots of takings from the day - from legal updates to practical tips on inclusivity and wellbeing. It&rsquo;s clear that HR has a pivotal role to play in shaping the future of work.&rdquo;

The Future of Work Conference 2025 focused on innovation and inclusion in the evolving workplace

Stay Safe Online: How to Spot Job Scams and Protect Yourself During Your Job Search
In today&rsquo;s competitive job market, finding the right role can be exciting - but it can also come with risks. With recruitment fraud on the rise, jobseekers must stay alert to avoid falling victim to online scams that prey on their ambitions.
According to consumer champion Which?, employment scams are among the top 10 most common scam threats in the UK. Young people aged 18&ndash;24 are particularly vulnerable, with scammers frequently impersonating legitimate recruitment agencies to appear credible. Without due diligence, looking for a new role can quickly turn into a risky business. In 2024, Action Fraud received 4,876 reports of job or recruitment fraud, more than doubling from 2,094 in 2022
At Acorn by Synergie, your safety is our top priority. We want to ensure you know what to look out for and how to stay secure when applying for roles online.
<h4 data-start="998" data-end="1030">Common Job Scam Red Flags</h4>
Here are some signs that a job advert or recruiter may not be genuine:
<ul data-start="1104" data-end="2063">
<li class="" data-start="1104" data-end="1226">
Poor spelling and grammar: Professional recruiters take pride in their communication. Be wary of ads full of errors.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1227" data-end="1393">
Requests for money: Whether it's for a &lsquo;registration fee&rsquo;, &lsquo;security check&rsquo;, or &lsquo;training course&rsquo; - a legitimate agency will never ask you to pay to secure a job.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1394" data-end="1649">
Unprofessional email addresses: If you&rsquo;re contacted by someone using a Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo address, be cautious. All Acorn recruitment consultants will contact you only via an official Acorn email: 📧 <a class="cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="1615" data-end="1648">firstname.surname@acornpeople.com</a>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1650" data-end="1777">
No online presence: If the recruiter can&rsquo;t be found on LinkedIn or the agency doesn&rsquo;t appear to exist, that&rsquo;s a red flag.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1778" data-end="1917">
Too good to be true: High salaries, flexible overseas roles, or &lsquo;easy&rsquo; work-from-home opportunities that sound amazing? Be sceptical.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1918" data-end="2063">
Requests for sensitive personal info: Acorn will never ask for your bank details, passwords, or national insurance number over the phone.
</li>
</ul>
<h4>How to Protect Yourself</h4>
Use these tips to stay one step ahead of fraudsters:
<ul data-start="2155" data-end="3170">
<li class="" data-start="2155" data-end="2368">
Stick with trusted agencies: Only work with recruiters that are members of industry bodies like the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Acorn by Synergie adheres to strict professional standards.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2369" data-end="2498">
Never pay to register: Legitimate recruitment agencies do not charge jobseekers to apply, register, or attend interviews.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2499" data-end="2664">
Protect your CV: Avoid including your full address, passport number, or banking details. Keep it simple with your name, contact info, skills, and work history.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2665" data-end="2812">
Ask questions: If you&rsquo;re put forward for a job, ask for a full job spec, pay rates, and the hiring company&rsquo;s details. Then, do your research.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2813" data-end="2932">
Stay in control of your documents: You should never be asked to hand over your original ID documents permanently.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="2933" data-end="3170">
Be safe when attending interviews:
<ul data-start="2976" data-end="3170">
<li class="" data-start="2976" data-end="3035">
Verify the location beforehand to ensure it&rsquo;s legitimate.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="3038" data-end="3089">
Share the details with a friend or family member.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="3092" data-end="3170">
Never attend an interview at your own home or accept a lift from a stranger.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="3177" data-end="3221">How Acorn by Synergie Keeps You Safe</h4>
We are committed to ethical recruitment practices and protecting our candidates. You can trust that:
<ul data-start="3325" data-end="3567">
<li class="" data-start="3325" data-end="3406">
We only contact candidates using official @acornpeople.com email addresses.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="3407" data-end="3469">
We never request payments or charge jobseekers at any stage.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="3470" data-end="3567">
Our consultants follow strict procedures to keep your data safe and your job search legitimate.
</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re ever unsure about a communication claiming to be from Acorn, please contact us directly. Your safety is too important to leave to chance.
<h4 data-start="3727" data-end="3761">Think You&rsquo;ve Been Targeted?</h4>
If you believe you&rsquo;ve been approached by a scammer pretending to be from Acorn, report it to us immediately. Your report could help protect others too.&nbsp;
<h4 data-start="116" data-end="163">Where to Report Job Scams in the UK</h4>
1. Action Fraud (UK&rsquo;s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime)
📍 <a class="cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="253" data-end="312">actionfraud.police.uk</a> 📞 0300 123 2040 Use this to report any type of recruitment or employment fraud. You&rsquo;ll receive a crime reference number, and your case will be assessed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).
2.&nbsp;JobsAware (formerly SAFERjobs)
📍 <a class="" href="https://www.jobsaware.co.uk/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="574" data-end="621">jobsaware.co.uk</a> JobsAware works with government and law enforcement to protect jobseekers and expose scam recruiters. You can report suspicious adverts, companies, or recruiters here. They also offer free guidance and support if you've been targeted.
3.&nbsp;Citizens Advice
📍 <a class="" href="https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="898" data-end="957">citizensadvice.org.uk</a> You can get help and advice on your rights and how to take further action. They can guide you on reporting employment scams and dealing with financial loss.
4.&nbsp;The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC)
📍 <a class="" href="https://www.rec.uk.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="1191" data-end="1228">rec.uk.com</a> If the agency or individual claims to be a member of the REC but acts suspiciously, you can report them here. The REC enforces professional standards in the industry.
5.&nbsp;Acorn by Synergie (if the scam uses our name)
📍 <a class="cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="1467" data-end="1524">acornpeople.com</a>
Or contact your known Acorn consultant via their official @acornpeople.com email address
If you suspect someone is impersonating Acorn or falsely claiming to be affiliated with us, please report it to us immediately so we can investigate and take appropriate action.
&nbsp;
Stay smart, stay safe - and good luck in your job search.

Stay safe! How to avoid scams when job-hunting

<h4>Acorn by Synergie is proud to announce that its Managing Director, Bernard Ward, has been awarded the Director of the Year Award for Medium to Large Business (more than 50 employees) at the prestigious Institute of Director of the Year Awards.</h4>
The annual ceremony took place on Friday, May 9, at the ICC Wales in Newport, celebrating exceptional leadership across the UK&rsquo;s business landscape.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year Awards recognises the achievements of outstanding business leaders who have demonstrated remarkable contributions in areas such as innovation, sustainability, equity, diversity, and inclusion, among others.&nbsp; Since joining Acorn by Synergie in July 2021, Bernard has played a pivotal role in evolving the company from its origins as a local recruiter into a multi-specialist recruitment agency operating across the UK.&nbsp;
Under his leadership, Acorn has remained firmly rooted in its core values of customer-first, accountability, effective communication, respect, and empowerment. Bernard&rsquo;s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce has made these principles a cornerstone of Acorn&rsquo;s strategic direction.
His leadership has also seen the successful launch of Acorn Impact, an initiative designed to enhance social mobility and address inequalities in local communities. Through this programme, Acorn provides clients and candidates with vital resources, training, and support, ensuring both can thrive in a rapidly changing job market.
Speaking on his award win, Acorn by Synergie&rsquo;s MD Bernard Ward said: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m incredibly honoured to receive the Director of the Year Award. This recognition is a testament to the amazing work being done by everyone at Acorn by Synergie.
&ldquo;Together, we&rsquo;ve worked hard to create a culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and opportunity. I look forward to continuing this journey and helping Acorn grow while making a real difference in the communities we serve.&rdquo; Gareth Jarman, Head Judge of the Wales Director of the Year Awards, Founder and Director of Gentium International, and Regional Chair of
Mid Wales at IoD Wales, commented:
&ldquo;Bernard is a highly engaging leader whose approach reflects a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with Directorship. What sets him apart is his personal and unwavering commitment to &lsquo;do good&rsquo; through his business.&nbsp;
 &ldquo;His dedication to social responsibility - supporting the community and creating meaningful opportunities for society - is a defining aspect of his leadership.&rdquo;

Acorn by Synergie’s Managing Director Bernard Ward wins Director of the Year Award at the IoD Awards 2025

<h4>Leading recruitment specialist Acorn by Synergie is celebrating another exciting chapter in the journey of Tata Steel United Football Club, as the club prepares to launch its first-ever over 40s Veterans Team in the upcoming football season.</h4>
 This major milestone marks the latest achievement in a remarkable rise for the club, which was founded in June 2016 by Anthony Morgan and David Brennan.
 Acorn by Synergie has been the official sponsor of Tata Steel United FC since 2016, and has supported the club through a string of league and cup victories that have laid the foundation for its ongoing success.
 In their first season (2016/17), Tata Steel United FC won the Port Talbot Open Cup title and the Challenge Cup. They went on to secure another Port Talbot Open Cup the following year, plus the Port Talbot Premier League in 2018/19.&nbsp;
 Their 2019 season ended in promotion to the South Wales Alliance League Division 2, via a playoff. This season, they have gained promotion to division one west in the South Wales Alliance Championship.&nbsp;
 Meanwhile, in 2022, the club launched its junior section, starting with an Under-7s team. Today, that youth programme has expanded to include two Under-10s squads, offering a clear pathway from grassroots to senior football within the club.
 Recently, the Reserve team won the Port Talbot League Division 1 and have gained promotion to the Port Talbot Premier League. Commercial Partnerships Director Mark Rudge of Acorn by Synergie said of the club&rsquo;s story:&nbsp;
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re absolutely thrilled to see Tata Steel United continuing to go from strength to strength. Supporting them since 2016 has been a privilege &ndash; their passion, ambition and community spirit are second to none. The launch of the Veterans team is yet another sign of their incredible growth, and we&rsquo;re proud to have played a part in that journey. &ldquo;Tata Steel United FC is proving that community football is thriving in Port Talbot &ndash; and Acorn by Synergie remains proud to be part of their inspiring story.&rdquo;
 Reflecting on the club&rsquo;s growth, Anthony Morgan of Tata Steel United FC shared:
 &ldquo;I met Mark Rudge from Acorn in June 2016 and shared the plans we had for the club. He immediately said that Acorn would support our project to get us to the higher leagues, which is where our previous club, Tata Steel Football Club, had been before it sadly folded in 2015.&rdquo; &ldquo;I&rsquo;m over the moon to see the progress we&rsquo;ve made and where we are today.
Acorn by Synergie have been with us every step of the way and have been paramount in our success story to date &ndash; we cannot thank them and Mark enough.&rdquo;
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