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Any advice for government contracting?

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    Any advice for government contracting?

    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!

    #2
    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....
    merely at clientco for the entertainment

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      #3
      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...

      Comment


        #4
        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).
        His heart is in the right place - shame we can't say the same about his brain...

        Comment


          #5
          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.

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            #6
            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.

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              #7
              Originally posted by mudskipper View Post
              they will (probably) have little effect.
              He (or she) wants to build and develop a high-performing team.



              Comment


                #8
                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
                merely at clientco for the entertainment

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                  #9
                  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...

                  Comment


                    #10
                    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.
                    'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

                    Comment

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