Any advice for government contracting?

**eek** · 14 September 2016, 19:34

You may want to read:-

http://forums.contractoruk.com/futur...-launched.html

and

http://forums.contractoruk.com/futur...il-2017-a.html

and

http://forums.contractoruk.com/futur...inly-dont.html

all of which comment on proposed changes for Public sector contracting starting April 2017 and think whether you can afford to take a Government contract. Personally I'm getting out ASAP....

**SlipTheJab** · 14 September 2016, 19:41

Been approached about a few government contracts recently and turned them down flat, funnily enough the agent came back each time with an assurance that their role was special and wouldn't be affected...eer right...

**Mordac** · 14 September 2016, 19:48

Originally posted by Mercutio View Post

Hello All -

I'm a complete newbie to the world of contracting, but have recently landed my first contract to work as a project engineer via an agency and with the UK government as my client.

I shall be based near Bristol.

Does anyone have any experience of running projects on behalf of HM's Government? I am slightly concerned that the "us and them" culture of contractors vs permies may be an impediment to building and developing a high performing team? Or is it water off a ducks back to the Civil Service - it does rather seem that they routinely out-source to contractors for one-off projects?

Any advice would be very welcome.

Many Thanks!

It shouldn't be an impediment, as long as you are very good at what you do. Mrs M is currently working on a govt project, and understanding the culture has been one of the hardest aspects, but they are paying top dollar so expectations are going to be high. Don't be afraid to point out the differences between what they think they want (which is a better version of what they already have) and what can actually be delivered (which may involve a process change, and they don't generally like process changes).

**jamesbrown** · 14 September 2016, 20:00

Originally posted by Mercutio View Post

I'm a complete newbie to the world of contracting

Poor bugger

Seriously, though, without wishing to frighten you too much, read those threads linked by eek. The PS is about to become a desert (and not the tasty sort that's served with cream).

In terms of your specific question, I'm not sure why this would be a concern. You are different. You're a contractor, there to deliver, not to make friends with the permies. In my experience, "them and us" is usually symptomatic of something else, such as being crap.

If you're good, I can't see it arising and, if it does, enjoy your "them" status and all associated perks.

**mudskipper** · 14 September 2016, 20:05

The proposed changes that the others have linked to will only affect you if you're operating via a limited company. If you were planning on using an umbrella, they will (probably) have little effect.

**jamesbrown** · 14 September 2016, 20:09

Originally posted by mudskipper View Post

they will (probably) have little effect.

He (or she) wants to build and develop a high-performing team.

**eek** · 14 September 2016, 20:13

Originally posted by mudskipper View Post

The proposed changes that the others have linked to will only affect you if you're operating via a limited company. If you were planning on using an umbrella, they will (probably) have little effect.

Unless you are on the very top rate of CLone's rates you would be better going in as a permie rather than an umbrella. When you look at the pension benefits alone there is little reason to accept anything else

**mudskipper** · 14 September 2016, 20:17

Originally posted by jamesbrown View Post

He (or she) wants to build and develop a high-performing team.

Missed that. Yes, you may have trouble finding your skilled, flexible resources...

**northernladuk** · 14 September 2016, 20:30

Originally posted by jamesbrown View Post

He (or she) wants to build and develop a high-performing team.

Should be OK if he can pronounce funny names.

Any advice for government contracting?