What Sets the Best Health and Social Care Recruiters Apart?

Demand for health and social care staff has never been higher — yet many agencies are struggling to deliver consistent results. The difference between the top 10% and everyone else isn’t luck… it’s strategy.

In the highly competitive world of UK recruitment, you see the same story play out time and again: some agencies and recruiters are thriving while others are just getting by. This is especially true in the vital health and social care sector. Some recruiters seem to be excelling, while others, in the same market with similar experience, are struggling.

So, what are the top health and social care recruiters, like OakGar, doing differently? From what we've seen with our clients and what's supported by new research, there are ten key factors that separate the high achievers from the rest.

1.    We are Niche Specialists 

Top recruiters don't try to be everything to everyone. We've chosen to specialise in health and social care, allowing us to become true experts in our field. This focus means we have exclusive access to a network of qualified candidates, build stronger relationships with both clients and talent, and can provide expert advice that goes beyond a simple job match.

2.    We Deliver Unmatched Candidate Value 

The best recruiters, such as us, go beyond just filling a role. We act as talent advisors and mentors, offering candidates valuable insights, career advice, and opportunities they wouldn't find anywhere else. This approach builds loyalty and a strong reputation, meaning a high number of our candidates come to us through referrals.

3.    We Proactively Grow New Business 

Customer churn is a reality for every business. We understand this and actively work to bring in new business, as health and social care recruitment specialists we ensure we are always growing and expanding our reach to new clients who need our expertise.

4.    We Prioritise Clients Who Are Just as Serious About Their Recruitment as We Are

Not all clients are created equal. We focus on working with clients who are true partners, those with strong reputations in the health and social care sector, recurring needs, and a mindset that values quality over a low price. This drives consistent revenue, builds long-term relationships, and leads to valuable referrals.

5.    We Work Existing Accounts Harder 

Landing a client is just the first step. We have strategies to expand our business within existing accounts, turning one-off jobs into long-term, high-yield partnerships. By focusing on maximising the lifetime value of our relationships, we ensure sustained growth.

6.    We Run Like Clockwork 

Chaos is the enemy of success. We have clear, systematic workflows for every stage of our process, from reviewing CVs to onboarding new hires. This consistency reduces burnout, increases efficiency, and leads to better, more reliable results for our clients.

7.    We Invest in Staff Training 

When the market gets harder, we know our people need more help, not less. We consistently invest in training to ensure our team has the skills to meet new challenges and exceed client expectations in the ever-evolving health and social care landscape.

8.    We Understand Which Marketing Actually Works 

For us, marketing isn't about general "branding." It's a tool that must directly lead to sales. We focus on creating content, such as research documents or salary guides, that our recruiters can use to start valuable conversations with potential clients, rather than simply spending thousands on generic job board ads.

9.    We Manage Actions

This is a simple but undeniable truth: success in recruitment is a direct result of the right actions, done with quality, with the right people. We maintain a disciplined approach to our daily actions because we know consistency is what drives sustainable results for our clients.

10. We Invest in Tech 

The best agencies leverage technology to their advantage. We use modern tools to automate administrative tasks, improve communication, and stay agile. We review our systems regularly to ensure we are using the most efficient technology available to work smarter, not harder.

The market will always have its ups and downs. The most successful recruiters take ownership of their processes, mindset, and behaviours. By choosing a partner who embodies these ten points, you can take control of your hiring and set your organisation up for long-term success.

If you’re looking for a recruitment partner who operates at top‑tier standards, let’s talk.