Carrying the can

[MrBlobby]

A few years ago I contracted to a client (directly) who employed an offshore supplier.
Offshore supplier wasn't great, but as I was independent to the whole thing, I had the client's ear in terms of quality of suppliers staff.

Fast forward a few years and I am back at the same end client, although this time contracting via the offshore supplier.

The quality of the supplier's staff hasn't improved (in fact probably worsened).

The concern I have is that as I'm seen as being the lead (from an end client viewpoint), I'm going to be tarnished by the poor performance of the supplier and feel a bit stuck as what to do.

I don't feel it's ethical to go to the end client about it and I don't think I'll get much change going to the supplier about the quality of their permanent staff.

Anyone in a similar position?

Any advice/thoughts gratefully received.

[BolshieBastard]

A few years ago I contracted to a client (directly) who employed an offshore supplier.
Offshore supplier wasn't great, but as I was independent to the whole thing, I had the client's ear in terms of quality of suppliers staff.

Fast forward a few years and I am back at the same end client, although this time contracting via the offshore supplier.

The quality of the supplier's staff hasn't improved (in fact probably worsened).

The concern I have is that as I'm seen as being the lead (from an end client viewpoint), I'm going to be tarnished by the poor performance of the supplier and feel a bit stuck as what to do.

I don't feel it's ethical to go to the end client about it and I don't think I'll get much change going to the supplier about the quality of their permanent staff.

Anyone in a similar position?

Any advice/thoughts gratefully received.

You shouldnt have gone back if you werent direct and have to work through the supplier you know falls short.

Just asking for trouble or at the very least, risk having your reputation dragged down by the substandard supplier.

I dont have a problem going back to previous clients. In fact, I've done it a number of times but, you have to weigh up your position and standing arnet impinged in any way.

[dogzilla]

This ain't politics we are talking about is it? talk of tarnished reputations and so forth. Putting myself in your position I would play it off like this, "I was employed to try and get things moving properly but unfortunately I'm not being supported by the rest of the business, I will do my very best for you but I hope you can understand my position".

I would never shield my employer directly for problems upstream, not paid to take tulip for stuff I have no control over. Of course I'd do my fair share of deflecting first where possible