agency billing changed?

[loneb]

I am currently in my 7th month at my current gig - started my 3rd extension. My scope and responsibility changed from a BA to a more 'hybrid' BA / PM and with this in affect I requested a higher rate from my agency. They did not agree to my amount however did come close to it which I accepted as they stated their margin would be almost non existent if they gave the rate i asked for as they only bill the client at a BA rate for me, not a PM rate. I was just about to fill in my time sheets for this month and noticed that this has now changed from Business Analyst to Project Manager - to add to this they did have a meeting before the extension for me (just before end of Sept) with the client and discussed my contract extension etc.

I know believe they have moved me to a PM rate with the client and gaining a higher rate from the client however have not passed these details on to me.

If i approach my agency regarding this, do they have to by law tell me this is the case or can they fob me off and simply say this in not the case?

Should i ask the client what they being billed by the agency - as a PM or BA?

Not sure how to approach this without causing any issues however don't like to be walked all over too so any advice would be great.

[northernladuk]

Question. Are you happy with your rate?

Some clients have pretty rigid rate cards and would not consider a hybrid role enough to move you up to PM so generally I'd say what the agent says makes sense. The timecard thing does make you wonder but I doubt it's the record that dictates which charging band you are on.

No the agent isn't bound by law to tell you. His business with the client is none of yours. I would however be disappointed beyond words if he has told you an absolute bare faced lie. I just can't believe anyone would be that unprofessional but you just never know. I'd deffo get that statement in an email from them though.

As per speaking to the client... If you are happy with the rate then be happy but it wouldn't be a bad thing to check the agent is ripping you off which in turn affects the client. If you get on with your approver I guess a quick chat to make sure your rate hasn't changed wouldn't do to much harm but leave it at that. Don't get the client involved with your agency issues.

[northernladuk]

Oh, and be careful of hybrid roles. You could end up having two halves making nothing when it comes to your next gig.

[malvolio]

Quick answer - no.

You agreed a rate, so that's what you get. How the agency does their business is not really any of your concern. Secondly, you have no rights, least of all legal ones, to challenge someone else's superior negotiating skills. And thirdly making a fuss with the client will likely mean you won't have any rate at all to complain about.

You're in business and this is the downside, sadly. The best time to challenge the amount you get from the agency is at the next renewal.

[loneb]

great thank you guys for the information. I will question the agency and ask if the change from BA to PM on my time sheet reflects the change of their rate/role put forward for me to the client. I will not fight it this time however I will bring it up at the next renewal if they are indeed billing me as a PM to the client.

Thanks again

[LondonManc]

Manage the transition this extension, prove you're worthy of PM rate and ask for it at next extension.

[gables]

Isn't there a risk that if the OP is being billed at the full PM rate then the client may be expecting a full blown PM whilst the OP might not be delivering that?? (not suggesting the OP isn't\can't do that), but if that's what they're now expecting that would need clarifying, which may then justify a push on the rate, especially if the agent is now getting the higher rate.

I suppose my point is around expectations..

LM has a good point\approach