New Council Recruitment Agency to Boost Local Jobs
Connect2H&F aims to bypass traditional recruitment routes
Rob Boyles, CEO of Commercial Services Group
July 7, 2026
The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham Council has announced the launch of Connect2H&F, a new recruitment agency created in partnership with Commercial Services Group (CSG) to deliver local jobs for local people and strengthen the borough’s economy.
The agency, which will operate from within the council, is designed to bypass traditional recruitment routes and ensure public funding directly benefits the community. It will focus on helping residents into meaningful work, supporting temporary and permanent placements, and improving transparency around recruitment spending.
Grant Deg, the council’s Director of Legal Services, said: “Having our own agency will bring recruitment closer to the local community while improving efficiency and delivering better value for council taxpayers. This partnership with Commercial Services Group is about people — creating opportunities, building careers and ensuring our workforce reflects the communities we serve.”
Connect2H&F will work with local schools, colleges and community organisations to build long-term career pathways and remove barriers to employment. The initiative also gives the council greater control over recruitment costs and compliance, ensuring taxpayer money stays within the borough.
CSG’s joint-venture model has already proved successful elsewhere in the UK, with nine existing council partnerships sourcing 71 per cent of recruits locally, helping over 120 long-term unemployed residents back into work, and supporting 246 agency workers into permanent roles.
Rob Boyles, CEO of Commercial Services Group, said: “We’re delighted that Hammersmith & Fulham is joining our growing network of council partnerships and our second in London. Our joint-venture approach gives councils greater control and transparency while delivering real benefits to local communities. ”
The new agency will go live in October.
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