Flexible resources to deal with change

Most organisations nowadays need to access flexible resources. Gwen Latham, Head of Capita’s Interim Resourcing Division, looks at how to decide on the options available.

With change come new challenges, demands and opportunities. Often additional resource will be required, whether to handle change management, organise relocation, spearhead a specialist project or simply to cover recruitment gaps. If permanent recruitment is not possible then you must look for a short to medium term solution. Typically this can be either a temporary member of staff or an Interim.

The differences are greater than they may appear on the surface and the choice depends greatly on the purpose of the role you need to fill and the level of risk you are willing to take on.

The way in which they are paid is possibly the most obvious contrast. Temporary staff will be engaged under an employment contract, usually through a recruitment agency. Employers’ National Insurance contributions, Holiday Entitlement and any other benefits have to be taken into account. Interim Managers on the other hand usually operate under their own limited company, with all employment costs included within their agreed day rate.

Interim Managers are usually individuals who have gained considerable experience in their specialist field. This means that they have the ability to hit the ground running and take control of a project. They are particularly suited for more strategic roles where clear objectives are defined. Temporary Professionals, while well qualified, are likely to be looking for opportunities to expand their experience. This means that they will be enthusiastic and keen to prove themselves in more junior management roles where they will work as part of a team.

Finally, where temporary professionals will be looking for opportunities locally, Interim Managers are more likely to be willing to travel or work away from home.

Whatever your requirement, your Interim agency such as Capita Resourcing, should be able to advise you on the most appropriate choice and availability of suitable candidates.

INTERIM MANAGERS

TEMPORARY PROFESSIONALS

Interims are experienced independent professionals who will act ina specific role. They come from a wide range of specialist sectors and disciplines. Strategic focus - roles likely to be strategic and based on key deliverables. Career Interim - not in the permanent job market. Likely to operate under own Limited company. Immediate start - they can normally start in days, with minimal recruitment and termination formalities. Medium term - roles last typically for 3-6 months, with completion of assignment guaranteed. Will travel - extremely flexible on location and prepared to work away from home, providing access to a national candidate market. Knowledgeable - they are typically ‘over qualified’ for a position, bringing a wealth of knowledge with them. Hit the ground running - they are experienced in their particular field and can ‘hit the ground running’. Impact - their knowledge and experience means that they can have an immediate and lasting impact. Results-driven - they are not distracted by organisational politics or ‘ways of doing things’. Payment - Invoice monthly. Based on a day rate, usually around £600 upwards. Usually Ltd Co status. No other employment liabilities.

Individuals contracted by an organisation on a temporary contract, directly or via an employment agency. Operational focus - roles likely to be operationally focussed or junior management. In between permanent jobs - often looking to gain experience, remunerated via employment contract. Immediate start - they can normally start in days, with some recruitment and termination formalities. Short term - roles typically 1 to 3 months and candidates may move on to permanent roles. Local - largely restricted to local candidate pool, which changes frequently with candidates moving in and out of permanent jobs. Junior professionals - they will be adequately qualified but may be less experienced. Delivery - they will usually fill roles within a wider team intended to deliver projects or customer services, rather than be involved in strategy development. Flexible - temporary staff will usually be flexible about working days and patterns, dependent on work availability. Motivated - they are keen to gain experience and demonstrate capability. Payment - Paid weekly/monthly. Based on an hourly rate. Usually £10-20 / hour dependent on role. Subject to certain employment rights and benefits.