Anyone Worried?

[oilboil]

Have you actually got a gig that way? That might get you on the front page but is not the type of work the G-Cloud is set up to source/offer?

They did have an exercise many years ago where they kicked all the contractors off it to clean it up. I'm surprised but then not surprised they've put that effort in and then not continued it so it's straight back to a mess.

I've had work from the framework, it helps if you can frame your services in the way a consultancy would and if you can offer more than just a bum-on-seat programmer or analyst resource. You need to be able to showcase ability to manage complex programs, develop strategies and handle C-level discussions

It's not for everyone, and if you haven't got a decent pocket-book of people you can bring in to team with you working under your limited company then you'll get nowhere, but if you win one of these gigs they are extremely lucrative

[northernladuk]

Have you been on G-Cloud before? I have been for 4 years through my own limited company and for 3 years before that I managed the G-Cloud sourcing and application for one of the Big-4 (as well as doing the day job -- why employ 2 people when one can work twice as hard for the same pay?)

I have to say G-Cloud is the hardest framework to make money out of; every opp is massively competitive and without lots of resources you will get "selected-out" almost every time. Even if you get through you then hit the TCS wall and realise that your lowest possible break-even rate is higher than their top-rate (of ocurse they then change control you to hell)

One tip if you do it, make sure you price in hours, and make sure your minimum "gig-length" is set to an hour. This means you always show up in the front pages of the "cheaper resources" and so don't get arbitrarily cut from the process because your daily rate (or minimum contract length) is too high. Equally put in some really strange offering that allows you to charge the earth so if you get the opportunity to charge more you can take it (once you've set your min-max you can't quote more or less even if you and the client agree)

Have you actually got a gig that way? That might get you on the front page but is not the type of work the G-Cloud is set up to source/offer?

They did have an exercise many years ago where they kicked all the contractors off it to clean it up. I'm surprised but then not surprised they've put that effort in and then not continued it so it's straight back to a mess.

[oilboil]

That could be because they use a different framework for inside roles that doesn't often hit the board? I'm on PS gig and we've got a pretty even mix of inside and outsides.

Also the statement that the government as a whole is trying to force everyone inside IR35 but wanting IR35 gigs is a bit flawed. I'm sure the IT department in somewhere like the Forestry Commission that need an body are trying to force PS inside IR35...

You are right - most inside roles are farmed out to hayes or something like that and so hit the monster/jobserve route instead

[ladymuck]

Never even attempted G-Cloud as it's not an area I can offer anything into.

I have been on DOS for two years and not yet applied for any opportunities. The timing is always wrong but I have been encouraged by the nature of some of the roles posted on there. This round (DOS-4) I signed up for both Specialists and Outcomes just in case a small project came up that I could deliver with a team of people.

[oilboil]

While Digital Specialists and Outcomes is currently closed, G-Cloud framework is open for applications - I'm doing mine at the moment.
Applying to the G-Cloud framework - GOV.UK

While G-Cloud isn't as focused on individual contractors (like Specialists is) you can apply and just look for the smaller contracts. I'm putting 'Testing Management Services' and 'DR testing' under the 'Cloud support suppliers' - 'quality assurance and performance testing' service.

Have you been on G-Cloud before? I have been for 4 years through my own limited company and for 3 years before that I managed the G-Cloud sourcing and application for one of the Big-4 (as well as doing the day job -- why employ 2 people when one can work twice as hard for the same pay?)

I have to say G-Cloud is the hardest framework to make money out of; every opp is massively competitive and without lots of resources you will get "selected-out" almost every time. Even if you get through you then hit the TCS wall and realise that your lowest possible break-even rate is higher than their top-rate (of ocurse they then change control you to hell)

One tip if you do it, make sure you price in hours, and make sure your minimum "gig-length" is set to an hour. This means you always show up in the front pages of the "cheaper resources" and so don't get arbitrarily cut from the process because your daily rate (or minimum contract length) is too high. Equally put in some really strange offering that allows you to charge the earth so if you get the opportunity to charge more you can take it (once you've set your min-max you can't quote more or less even if you and the client agree)

[northernladuk]

I've always found it quite ironic that the Government seems determined to shut down contracting and force everyone down the IR35/inside route; yet the official job-board of givernment and the public sector (DOS Framework) seems to state almost every role is considered outside IR35

It's all very Cummings ... (One rule for everyone else, another for themselves)

That could be because they use a different framework for inside roles that doesn't often hit the board? I'm on PS gig and we've got a pretty even mix of inside and outsides.

Also the statement that the government as a whole is trying to force everyone inside IR35 but wanting IR35 gigs is a bit flawed. I'm sure the IT department in somewhere like the Forestry Commission that need an body are not trying to force PS inside IR35...

[oilboil]

Fair amount of stuff popping up on the Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework, much of it outside IR35.

Market is slow generally atm due to the COVID crisis, but there is still stuff around. I've been approached for a couple of gigs that were looking for a remote start then flexible working once things calmed down. It really depends on what you do and what sector you work in.

I've always found it quite ironic that the Government seems determined to shut down contracting and force everyone down the IR35/inside route; yet the official job-board of givernment and the public sector (DOS Framework) seems to state almost every role is considered outside IR35

It's all very Cummings ... (One rule for everyone else, another for themselves)

[ladymuck]

LM is just giving you a friendly kick.

Everyone needs to wallow in despair and a touch of self-pity every now and then. I am very definitely not immune to it.

It's not healthy for such a state to last too long. I gave TTC exactly the same advice I'd give a friend - I can be quite harsh on my friends when I spot a negative spiral as it becomes self feeding and hard to snap out of if left unchecked. Tea and sympathy initially, then a kick up the behind. I would expect exactly the same back.

[northernladuk]

Yes I put myself on the mailing list after seeing Dave’s post.

Sorry, I’m not trying to be a burden but I’ve been on my own since me and my husband went our separate ways and that alone has been enough to deal with without the worry of extended unemployment. I’ve now got a little dog to look after and that has me worrying about the practicalities of everything too. As I said, I thought I was going to have an easy run in to retirement with home based contracts and local work but this thing has blown everything out of the water. As it has for others too, I know so I’ll shut up.

But thanks for all the suggestions, they are most appreciated. Good luck to everyone.

Sounds more like you need to be going perm for some stability and semblence of order. Nothing in that post gives me the impression you are ready to face the toughest period in contracting to date.

Perm roles could provide other benefits that would help your current situation with more emotional benefits than mercenary contracting as well. Doesn't have to be all about the money all the time.

Sorry, but that's what I see.

[jamesbrown]

Yes I put myself on the mailing list after seeing Dave’s post.

Sorry, I’m not trying to be a burden but I’ve been on my own since me and my husband went our separate ways and that alone has been enough to deal with without the worry of extended unemployment. I’ve now got a little dog to look after and that has me worrying about the practicalities of everything too. As I said, I thought I was going to have an easy run in to retirement with home based contracts and local work but this thing has blown everything out of the water. As it has for others too, I know so I’ll shut up.

But thanks for all the suggestions, they are most appreciated. Good luck to everyone.

LM is just giving you a friendly kick.