SYDNEY, April 2026 — Launch has been announced as a finalist in two categories at the 2026 RCSA Recruitment Industry Awards: Excellence in Social Purpose and Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing Culture. 

Presented by the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA), these awards recognise organisations across Australia and New Zealand that demonstrate leadership, ethical practice and meaningful impact in the recruitment and staffing industry. Finalists are selected through an independent judging process, and to be recognised across two categories is a genuine honour, reflecting the respect of peers and the broader industry. 

Being shortlisted in these categories reflects Launch's long-standing position as a for-purpose business, with ESG, safety, and wellbeing integrated into how we work with employees, contractors, clients and the broader community. 

Award Categories 

Excellence in Social Purpose 

Launch's social purpose strategy runs across its operations through #LaunchGiving, a long-standing program spanning community partnerships, environmental responsibility, learning and development, wellbeing, DEI, and ethical practice. This model combines financial contributions, pro bono support, skills-based volunteering and long-term partnerships to drive sustainable outcomes. 

A structured three-year partnership approach enables charities to build capability and deliver lasting impact, while employee participation remains central through volunteering, matched giving and ESG-led initiatives. The program is supported by strong governance, including J-SOX compliance and external validation through an EcoVadis Silver Medal, placing Launch in the top 15% globally for sustainability performance. 

"Rather than being treated as a separate initiative, social purpose is part of how we operate," said Leanne Smith, General Manager, Governance and Impact at Launch. "Our organisation has always focused on creating long-term outcomes for the communities we partner with, while giving our people meaningful ways to contribute." 

With social purpose at the heart of the business, it is an honour to be recognised again this year, following our 2025 RCSA Excellence in Social Purpose award. 

Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing Culture 

Launch's approach to safety and wellbeing is built on a holistic framework that brings together workplace health and safety (WHS), psychosocial wellbeing, professional development and inclusive workplace practices. This includes structured governance, mandatory training, risk management processes and ongoing wellbeing support for both internal employees and on-hire contractors. 

Leaders play an active role in reinforcing a culture of safety, supported by regular feedback mechanisms, wellbeing programs and flexible work practices that enable employees to balance personal and professional commitments. Initiatives such as the Move, Mind, Munch program, EAP access, and tailored contractor care frameworks ensure consistent support across the workforce. 

"Our approach is to treat safety and wellbeing as fundamental to performance and sustainability," said Sarah Kiely, CEO at Launch. "We are committed to creating an environment where people feel supported, safe and able to do their best work." 

This extends beyond the workplace through ESG initiatives, community engagement and supplier standards aligned to human rights and ethical practices, reinforcing a consistent culture of care across the value chain. 

Thanks to Our Launchers 

"Being named a finalist in these categories is meaningful recognition of the work across our business," said Sarah. "It reflects the contribution of our people and our commitment to operating with purpose and care in everything we do." 

Winners of the 2026 RCSA Recruitment Industry Awards will be announced at the Rec Gala on 21 May 2026. 

About Launch Group 

Founded in 2006, Launch is a values-led recruitment, talent solutions and consulting company with offices across Australia and capabilities spanning New Zealand and the Asia Pacific. The business specialises in technology, telecommunications, project services and professional services, with a strong focus on ESG, community impact and long-term outcomes for clients, candidates and partners. 

About the RCSA Recruitment Industry Awards 

The RCSA Recruitment Industry Awards recognise excellence across the recruitment and staffing sector in Australia and New Zealand, celebrating organisations that demonstrate leadership, innovation and commitment to high standards of professional practice. 

Congratulations to all of this year's finalists. We look forward to celebrating excellence across the industry at the Gala event in Melbourne.