Reply to: New Team being built

[jmo21]

They are putting together this team and just expecting me to be part of it with not even mentioning my current contract or project. It looks like someone else (who didnt get me in) has been put in charge of creating this and is trying to build on what I'm already doing.

Remember, to them (the day to day people you work with/for etc) likely know next to nothing about your contract, IR35 etc, and they certainly don't care about your IR35 status.

It is up to you to keep them right.

[LondonManc]

thanks for all the comments. I know about IR35 and should be OK with it at the moment - but that is the worry.

They are putting together this team and just expecting me to be part of it with not even mentioning my current contract or project. It looks like someone else (who didnt get me in) has been put in charge of creating this and is trying to build on what I'm already doing.

Nobody else will look after keeping your contract IR35 friendly so you'll have to do it yourself.

[JohnJizzle]

thanks for all the comments. I know about IR35 and should be OK with it at the moment - but that is the worry.

They are putting together this team and just expecting me to be part of it with not even mentioning my current contract or project. It looks like someone else (who didnt get me in) has been put in charge of creating this and is trying to build on what I'm already doing.

[unixman]

You can do anything as long as it is within the 4 corners of a water tight contract. Having said that, it is tricky when the client wants to move you around, because they probably won't be thinking in terms of a new contract. Personally I would try to look on it as an "opportunity for new business", and try to re-engage the client on a new contract (and charge more for a more senior role). Either that, or continue as you are. Don't let the client squidge you into a new "role", as others have said, that is IR35 quick sand.

I had this issue when a recent telecomms client asked me to architect a backup solution, out of the blue. Although it is a service I offer, I resisted, because (a) as discussed above and (b) it was well outside the contract and (c) I charge more for architecture anyway. The situation was resolved when technical reasons ruled it out, so it was not a problem.

[LondonManc]

Questionable advice at best.

May simply be imprecise.

Certainly as a contractor your contract should be deliverable-based, as it would for EY, Accenture, any other consultancy or proper contractor. Get a proper estimate together for what you're going to be delivering, add 30% contingency to the estimate and there's your contract length. If you finish that early, great. Flag it up that you're finishing your deliverables and will either be leaving or will need a new contract to reflect new work. Or go perm.

[northernladuk]

Do whatever they offer, so long as they offer an appopriate contact with it. Team leader? Sure, just get them to write a 12 month team leader contract. and so on.

Questionable advice at best.

[LondonManc]

What LM says. Always remember you are brought in as a contractor to carry out a task that should be documented. Never accept new work allow the client to move you around as he sees fit. That would be direction and control which is a big IR35 flag. Permies do that not us. Always get it documented and agreed. There we times however the client will be to treating you like a permie so no number of new agreements will help you.

All that said the fact you say they want it on a permanent basis and you are team lead doesn't look very good. If they perceive you to be an enduring resource you could be in a sticky situation re IR35 already. They should be putting a plan in place for you to skill a permie up and letting you go TBH.....

Spot on. Personally, I'd want two different types of people for project delivery and ongoing support (contract v perm).

[unixman]

Do whatever they offer, so long as they offer an appopriate contact with it. Team leader? Sure, just get them to write a 12 month team leader contract. and so on.

[northernladuk]

I am assuming you know what IR35 is.........

[northernladuk]

What LM says. Always remember you are brought in as a contractor to carry out a task that should be documented. Never accept new work allow the client to move you around as he sees fit. That would be direction and control which is a big IR35 flag. Permies do that not us. Always get it documented and agreed. There we times however the client will be to treating you like a permie so no number of new agreements will help you.

All that said the fact you say they want it on a permanent basis and you are team lead doesn't look very good. If they perceive you to be an enduring resource you could be in a sticky situation re IR35 already. They should be putting a plan in place for you to skill a permie up and letting you go TBH.....

[MrMarkyMark]

You're there to provide the deliverables specified in your contract

+1 get the project deliverables put in .

[LondonManc]

at the moment I'm just working on my own. I do all the reporting as they didn't have any before

Being a project lead, leading perms is fine as long as you ask that someone else looks after the line management/huggy-feely side of things. You're there to provide the deliverables specified in your contract with the resources available. If you choose to go perm at the end of the contract or walk away, that's fine.

The biggies are:
Get your contract updated and checked to reflect any additional responsibilities
Avoid any and all aspects of line management; you're only shepherding the resource, not cuddling it.
Make sure that working practices are clearly defined

[BrilloPad]

What is your query? I see no "?" as part of your post.....

[JohnJizzle]

at the moment I'm just working on my own. I do all the reporting as they didn't have any before

[chopper]

Hi all, hoping someone with better knowledge of contracting can help with this query (I have no idea if any of this is ok)

Have been contracting just over a year - brought in to do financial reporting, something they didn't have the people in-house for.
They have now realised that this is something they would like as a more permanent thing and decided to create a reporting finance team when the current project comes to an end.

My query is about being a contractor as part of a team - built around what I came in to do
There is also talk of becoming team leader - again as a contractor. Running a team of perms...

Not sure what your current status, but being "part of a team", maybe even the "team leader" - that'll be IR35.