Insights

Explore our collection of expert insights, practical how-to guides, engaging videos, and simple visuals aimed at making complex problems easier to understand.

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    Foundation Principles: Where Strategic Extended Workforce Governance Starts

    These 10 principles are the non-negotiables for effective workforce governance. They matter as much for extended workforce management as they do for permanent workforce management. They apply regardless of your delivery model or programme maturity. You don't implement all 10 on day one. Start with the building blocks that address your current challenges, then evolve as you learn. Over-engineered governance fails as often as no governance. The goal is lean frameworks that grow with your programme.

    Jools Barrow-Read

    Founder

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    Is your Extended Workforce missing a Conductor?

    We built a strategic PMO for a global healthcare enterprise in 2015. Programme adoption went from 40% to 94% in 3 years. PMI shortlisted it for PMO of the Year in 2019. That was ten years ago. Most extended workforce programmes still don't have this infrastructure. And that's costing businesses real decision-making capability.

    Jools Barrow-Read

    Founder

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    Umbrella company reform and why it matters for HR

    When HMRC introduces joint and several liability for umbrella company tax failures in April 2026, many organisations will discover they have a significant blind spot. Nobody is actually accountable for their extended workforce. This article explores why this represents an opportunity for HR to lead, and how to start those conversations internally.

    Jools Barrow-Read

    Founder

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    Your biggest talent risk is not where you think

    Traditional procurement-led temporary workforce management is no longer sufficient. Organisations are gaining competitive advantage by establishing Centres of Excellence that unite HR, Procurement, IT, and Operations with strategic suppliers. This collaborative approach enables holistic talent management, breaking down barriers between permanent and temporary workforce strategies.

    Jools Barrow-Read

    Founder

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    Navigating the new world of work

    From remote teams to gig workers, traditional workforce management is being turned upside down. Discover how leading organisations are mastering this 'beautiful chaos' through innovative solutions like the Concerto™ framework, transforming challenges into opportunities. Learn the key strategies reshaping how we work, manage, and succeed together.

    Jools Barrow-Read

    Founder

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    Skills-based hiring

    As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, organisations are finding that traditional hiring methods based on qualifications and experience alone are no longer sufficient. Enter skills-based hiring: a recruitment strategy that focuses on a candidate's demonstrable abilities, competencies, and knowledge relevant to a specific role.

    Jools Barrow-Read

    Founder

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    Optimizing flexible workforce management

    With temporary workers, contractors, and freelancers now making up to 40% of the workforce in some organisations, managing this flexible talent pool effectively has become a critical skill for business leaders.

    Jools Barrow-Read

    Founder

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    Understanding pay parity

    Equal Pay refers to the legal requirement that men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal work. Pay Parity extends this concept to ensure fair compensation across all demographics and worker types (including temporary workers) for comparable work.

    Laura Handley

    Strategic Operations Director

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    Understanding worker classification

    Worker classification refers to how a worker is categorised based on their relationship with the company. This typically involves distinguishing between employees and independent contractors, even when engaging workers through staffing agencies.

    Laura Handley

    Strategic Operations Director

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    Understanding tenure

    Tenure in temporary labour refers to the length of time a temporary worker, contractor, or freelancer is engaged with a company, even when working through a supplier. It's not about how long they've worked for the supplier, but how long they've been assigned to your company.

    Laura Handley

    Strategic Operations Director

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    10 ways to improve change in your organization

    Workplace change CAN be positive and empowering—just put people first! When the word change is uttered in the workplace, it usually makes people feel anxious and full of dread. The simple fact is, many organizations still manage change poorly or worse, they ignore it!

    Laura Handley

    Strategic Operations Director