S,D and/or C = Fail

[darrylmg]

I think this offers a balanced perspective. I don't think SDC is the main issue here or even a wholly negative change. Rather, it's the risk of the client as gatekeeper of whatever tests are implemented, without an incentive to have a professional review and determination on that basis (versus a blanket inside determination).

Brilliant article.
Thanks for sharing.
Based on the discussion so far, it would seem that those careful contractors should continue to be careful and all will be good. Some useful additional points on that link about insurance.

I don't gather emails/notes from previous clients as evidence of working practices, does anyone and what sort of info would be useful?
What happens to those contractors who are not legally allowed to remove material from a secured site?

[DonkeyRhubarb]

Isn't it enough just to have a clause in the contract which states the client has no right of SDC?

[meridian]

Isn't it enough just to have a clause in the contract which states the client has no right of SDC?

The client will always have the right to SDC, what would be needed in the contract in my opinion is a clause saying that the contractor has the right to cancel the contract if SDC is imposed.

I see it as no different to hiring a plumber. As the client paying the bill I will always have the right to tell the plumber what to do and how to do it (subject to regulations), but the plumber will always have the right to tell me to get stuffed and that he will either do it his way or walk.

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

Isn't it enough just to have a clause in the contract which states the client has no right of SDC?

In which contract? If it's the one between you and an agency then no; if it's the one between the agency and a client, it might be but I can't see the client signing it

[TheFaQQer]

In which contract? If it's the one between you and an agency then no; if it's the one between the agency and a client, it might be but I can't see the client signing it

And even if they did, if the wording of the contract differed from the reality of the situation then it's a moot point anyway.

FWIW, I don't think many clients would be willing to waive their right to supervision, direction or control for the duration of the contract - I'm sure there are some out there that would, but very few in the area that I work in.