Contract review/improvements

[Danglekt]

Was asked yesterday about a 12 month extension to my contract (been here on a few very short contracts), its on a new portfolio that they think my skill set matches, and to be honest is very interesting and if I get right would be ideal building block to other clients as its pretty cutting edge which is likely to lead to contracts for the next five years with other organisations - so I really want to go for it.

I am happy with my current contract and feel very comfortable ref IR35, however one of their peaves is that I always introduce myself as a contractor working with, rather than for them. They want externally for me to be seen as a decision maker rather than an external resource... the 12month piece of work is a distinct time framed programme, and my working practices won't change so I am happy from every other angle that IR 35 isn't an issue - so any other bods had a similar issue, how do you handle job titles, introducing yourself to other organisations when supporting a client?

Also, if I wanted my contract to get tightened up (I've never got a 12 month contract before, usually only a couple of months, and lots of very small extensions) - I can get a review, but can I get a contract written from scratch so that I input the working practices and then get it worked up by them so I can be 100% sure its as good as possible - if so, any recommendations on companies that provide this service?

Mrs is about to leave work (bambino on the way ) so I'd really like to stay outside IR35 so we can dividend split.

Just to be clear - No, I haven't asked my accountant, and no, I haven't searched

Tar in advance

[northernladuk]

I don't think a 12 month contract needs to be any tighter than a three month. Get it run through QDOS and see what they say. If you say yes then off you go. It's up to you too make sure you don't become part and parcel after that and fall in to bad practices.

[Danglekt]

Thanks - any comments about job titles, introducing yourself to externals as X job title?

It's likely to be something like Programme Director rather than anything more BAU.

[jbond007]

Thanks - any comments about job titles, introducing yourself to externals as X job title?

It's likely to be something like Programme Director rather than anything more BAU.

If you're going to be a Programme Director - could you just not say "I'm in charge of abc programme at xyz client"

[northernladuk]

Thanks - any comments about job titles, introducing yourself to externals as X job title?

It's likely to be something like Programme Director rather than anything more BAU.

Must admit I'm not so sure about that one. The two gigs where I've worked through a small consultancy there was never any question I was a contractor. Seems a bit silly to play these titles games as it will undoubtedly all come out in the wash at some point so seems silly to me.

That said, hold your breath, I feel I know enough about IR35 to weight the pros and cons of a situation and if this was the only thing that felt iffy about the whole gig I'd probably go along with it and be willing to argue it was professional courtesy to represent my client and not D&C. They are still not telling me what to do and how etc. If there were any other factors worrying me I'd have to think long and hard.

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

The only thing I would say is that as sounds as though clientco views you as being part and parcel of the organisation which could count against you if HMRC pop in for a chat

[Danglekt]

Thanks again, the sticking point is not internally, where its very obvious I am a contractor, it is more that there is a load of negotiation needed with other organisations as part of the programme. Me turning up to a meeting with Chief Execs and other Directors means the client want me to at least sound like I belong round the table and carry a little weight.

I know it sounds daft, but part of this is about projecting the right image for the client externally.

That is my only concern though, everything else is in order, and I have seen loads of other contractors do it - I'm just conscious of going native.