Contractors’ compliance status with HMRC has potentially taken a step forward. The former Service Providers Association has rebranded to become the Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA), with a new code of conduct to ensure suppliers’ compliance with HMRC rules.
According to the FCSA’s chairman, Stuart Davis, the rebrand is designed to represent more clearly the markets in which its members operate and the services it provides to the professional freelance workforce. It is also aimed at making contractors more aware of the existence of independent tests of supplier compliance. He says: “The rebrand and release of our new code of conduct are vitally important steps forward for the Association, demonstrating our commitment to remove confusion in this complex and vibrant sector, as well as our ongoing growth and development.”
The new code is a positive move in the industry becoming more compliant and transparent. It complements other contracting sector initiatives, including the comprehensive umbrella company checklist and contractor accountant checklists for contractors that have been developed by ContractorCalculator and are available for free download from this website.
FCSA Code of Conduct published online
In a drive for greater contractor compliance and its ‘ongoing commitment to transparency’, the FCSA has published a summary of its Code of Conduct and a Best Practice Code of Conduct Questionnaire designed to be completed by service providers.
“All of the FCSA‘s work is designed to benefit our members, their customers and the industry as a whole,” continues Davis, “which is why we decided to take the unique step of making the code of conduct publicly available.”
All of the FCSA's work is designed to benefit our members, their customers and the industry as a whole
Stuart Davis, FCSA
The code is designed to apply to the full range of service providers in the contracting sector, including umbrella services providers, contractor accountants and firms that supply both kinds of contractor trading options and other support services.
Current FCSA members Brookson, Giant and Parasol work across all these service areas, providing their services to tens of thousands of contractors working across the entire contracting spectrum. Between them, they cover sectors that include IT, engineering, oil, gas and energy, management, finance and healthcare.
Independent audit by ‘big four’ accountant
The 33-page questionnaire, which must be completed annually, asks searching questions of service providers. It includes sections on providers’ relationships with HMRC, identity checking, complaints policies, expenses and professional ethics.
“As part of the code of conduct process, Association members undergo an independent review from one of the 'big four' accountancy firms,” says Davis. “This, combined with HMRC’s receipt of the documentation, constitutes a unique combination of rigorous independent assessment and business transparency, which clearly demonstrate our commitment to driving up professional standards across the industry.”
Davis concludes: “This approach proves that we do what we say, meaning we are able to use the code both to add value to our members and their customers and to hopefully inspire the industry at large.”
Published: Thursday, April 08, 2010
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