By Rob Parker, Managing Director, Insight Executive

As we prepare to take a break over the festive period, I’ve been reflecting on what this year has taught me, particularly as it marks the close of my second year as Managing Director of Insight Executive. More than anything, it has reinforced a simple truth: trust is earned through ownership, consistency, and doing the right thing when it counts.

Earlier this year I wrote about mental health, and the pressure that can sit quietly behind “business as usual”. That has stayed with me, because uncertainty does not just affect plans and budgets. It affects people, their confidence, and the decisions they feel able to make.

So here is what we are seeing in the market, and what I believe it means for 2026.

First, the hiring bar has risen, even when budgets have not. Clients want people who can deliver outcomes quickly, with less hand holding, and with the judgement to operate in complexity. That means hiring processes need to test for impact, not just experience.

Second, speed has become a differentiator. Not rushed decisions, but decisive ones. Organisations that are clear on what they need, move faster, communicate better, and secure stronger talent. Slow processes do not just lose candidates. They signal uncertainty.

Third, the best talent is being more selective, not less. People are weighing leadership style, workload, flexibility, and culture as heavily as salary. If the role is vague, the support is unclear, or the process lacks respect, they walk.

This is where consultative recruitment matters. Our job is to bring clarity to the brief, realism to the salary and expectations, and pace to the process, while keeping the human side front and centre. We guide clients and candidates with market insight, straight advice, and follow through. That is how good decisions are made, and how trust is earned.

We can also support change over time. With permanent and interim recruitment, and multi role campaigns across complementary specialisms, we help organisations make phased improvements without losing momentum.

Looking ahead to 2026, I am confident we have the strongest teams in our fields to continue supporting public and private sector clients. We are also excited about the continued growth of the Group and the momentum of Insight Consulting Services, strengthening how we support organisations through change.

As we close the year, we remain committed to making a positive difference beyond recruitment, including our support for charities that are close to our hearts.

Thank you to our clients, candidates and partners for the trust you have placed in us. We will keep earning it in 2026 by owning outcomes, acting with integrity, widening opportunity, focusing on impact, and always giving something back.