The Procurement Act 2023, from February 2025, introduced significant reforms aimed at enhancing public procurement processes in the UK. These changes present unique opportunities for Public Sector Prime Suppliers to collaborate with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), fostering a more dynamic and efficient supply chain. ​ Simplified Bidding Processes The Act introduces a 'competitive flexible' procedure, simplifying bidding and negotiation processes. This flexibility enables prime suppliers to engage SMEs more effectively, leveraging their specialized skills and innovative solutions to meet diverse public sector needs. ​ Open Commercial Frameworks By making commercial frameworks more accessible, the Act ensures that suppliers, including SMEs, are not excluded for extended periods. This openness allows prime suppliers to diversify their subcontractor base, enhancing competitiveness and resilience in project delivery. ​ Strengthened Payment Provisions The Act mandates 30-day payment terms throughout the supply chain, improving cash flow for SMEs. For prime suppliers, this ensures a stable and reliable network of subcontractors, reducing project delays and fostering stronger partnerships. ​ Enhanced Transparency with 'Find a Tender' The upgraded 'Find a Tender' or Central Digital Platform makes procurement opportunities more visible, making it easy to search at no cost and set up alerts for tenders of interest. This transparency facilitates prime suppliers in identifying and collaborating with capable SMEs, streamlining the procurement process and enhancing project outcomes. ​ Greater Oversight and Compliance The establishment of the Procurement Review Unit (PRU) provides oversight across all sectors, ensuring adherence to procurement standards. This oversight encourages fair competition and accountability, benefiting both prime suppliers and SMEs by promoting a level playing field. ​ Conclusion Embracing the reforms of the Procurement Act 2023 allows Public Sector Prime Suppliers to build robust ecosystems with SME suppliers. This collaboration not only enhances service delivery but also contributes to economic growth and innovation within the public sector.

In today's ever-evolving business landscape, understanding IR35, also known as the 'off-payroll working rules,' is crucial for both companies and contractors. This blog post will delve into the key facts, updates, and strategies related to IR35. What is IR35? IR35 was first introduced in 1999 as the 35th mandate of the year by the then Inland Revenue, now known as HMRC. The legislation was signed into law on April 6, 2000, and it applies to individuals who supply their services through an intermediary, typically a Limited Company. The primary aim of IR35 is to ensure that contractors working through their limited company, who would otherwise be considered employees if the limited company were not in place, pay employment taxes and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). This is commonly referred to as being "inside IR35." History and Background Initially, contractors were responsible for determining their IR35 status. However, with the implementation of new rules in April 2017, public sector organizations became responsible for determining the IR35 status of their contractors. This shift aimed to increase compliance and reduce tax avoidance. In April 2021, the private sector reform adjusted the responsibilities so that medium and large end clients took on the legal responsibility of determining their contractors' IR35 status. When Does IR35 Apply? IR35 applies when a contractor operates through a UK-limited company, regardless of the work location. It affects contractors engaging via their limited company with public sector clients, such as local authorities, universities, and national service organizations. And currently for medium or large private sector clients, the client must meet two of the following criteria: Have an annual turnover of at least £10.2 million Have assets of at least £5.1 million Employ at least 50 staff Where the IR35 Rules Differ The IR35 reforms that came into place in April 2021 do not apply if a private sector client is considered a small company, as they fall under the small company exemption. As of April 6, 2025, the thresholds for determining a company's size for IR35 purposes have increased. This means that more medium-sized companies will fall under the small company exemption. To fall under the small company exemption a client must meet two of the following criteria: Have an annual turnover of not more than £15m (increased from £10.2m) Have assets of not more than £7.5m (increased from £5.1m) Employ no more than 50 employees If a contractor is working for a client based entirely overseas, and the client has no presence in the UK, the IR35 reforms do not apply. In both instances, the contractor is responsible for determining their own IR35 status and paying the appropriate taxes. When IR35 was introduced into the public sector, HMRC's guidance stated that, where end clients were engaging in fully contracted-out services via a third party, the end client would not need to determine the IR35 status of workers supplied by the outsourced services provider. The service provider would need to determine the status of its own contractors. Inside vs. Outside IR35 Understanding the difference between working inside and outside IR35 is essential for contractors. Outside IR35, contractors can work as self-employed and will be paid gross. Inside IR35, contractors engage via limited companies, are employed for tax purposes only, and have PAYE and National Insurance Contributions taken from their gross pay, resulting in a net salary. Some clients opt to engage contractors through an Umbrella Company to mitigate risks, as the off-payroll working rules do not apply in such cases. The Umbrella Company employs the Contractor directly, so the off-payroll working rules do not apply as the contractor is on payroll. Determination Factors Several factors can determine a contractor's IR35 status: Supervision, Direction, and Control : Can the contractor decide when, where, and how the work is completed? Substitution : Does the contractor have the option to send someone else to deliver the work if they are unavailable? The client would need to consider if they would allow the contractor to send a substitute since real-world scenarios will be considered over and above what is stated in the contract. Mutuality of Obligation : If there is no work available, is the client obliged to find some, and is the Contractor obliged to complete the work? Financial Risk : What financial risks is the contractor undertaking to deliver the project or promote their business activities? For example: Is the contractor expected to fix any mistakes they have made at their own time and expense? Does the Contractor pay for business insurances to protect them and their business activity? Part and Parcel : Will the contractor be embedded in company life? Will they have access to staff facilities, staff social events, or receive staff benefits? Responsibilities Public sector and medium and large-sized private sector clients must decide the IR35 status of an engagement and share the status determination statement (SDS) with all parties in the supply chain. All clients must take ‘reasonable care’ when determining IR35 status. HMRC defines reasonable care as acting “in a way that would be expected of a prudent and reasonable person in the client’s position.” Clients must provide a “client-led status disagreement process,” as either the recruiter or the contractor may dispute the IR35 determination. Conclusion Understanding IR35 and its implications is essential for both contractors and companies. By staying informed about the key facts, updates, and strategies, you can navigate the complexities of IR35 and ensure compliance with the regulations. About Hanover Hanover is a hybrid IT services and staffing company helping the UK Public Sector digitise and improve public services. We operate alongside some of the worlds top Systems Integrators as an SME Ecosystem partner. Find out more about our services

The UK public sector increasingly values integrating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into their supplier base. This strategic shift is driven by several key factors that highlight the benefits of fostering SME ecosystems. Innovation and Agility SMEs are often at the forefront of innovation due to their agility and responsiveness to market changes. Engaging with SMEs allows the public sector to tap into this innovation, crucial for addressing complex challenges and improving public services. Economic Growth and Job Creation Supporting SMEs stimulates economic growth and creates jobs. SMEs are significant contributors to the UK economy, accounting for much of employment and economic activity. As of 2024, there were 5.5 million SMEs in the UK, making up 99.8% of the business population, providing employment to 16.6 million people, and generating a turnover of £2.8 trillion. Diverse and Competitive Supply Chains A diverse supplier base fosters competition and ensures value for money. SMEs bring specialist skills and expertise, enhancing the quality of goods and services procured and promoting a more competitive marketplace. Social Value and Community Impact SMEs often have strong community ties and can deliver social benefits, such as local employment and community initiatives. Working with SMEs enhances the social impact of public sector procurement activities. Policy and Regulatory Support Government policies encourage SME inclusion in public sector supply chains. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) have implemented measures to remove barriers for SMEs and increase the visibility of tender opportunities. Resilience and Sustainability SMEs contribute to resilient and sustainable supply chains by providing niche products and services, reducing dependency on large suppliers, and offering environmentally friendly solutions. Example: HMRC DALAS Framework The HMRC's Digital and Legacy Application Services (DALAS) framework supports the delivery of future application services and reduces dependency on legacy technologies, providing a gateway for SMEs to offer their innovative IT solutions. Example: Digital Capability for Health 2 (DCFH2) Framework The DCFH2 framework supports digital transformation in health and social care by providing access to suppliers delivering a range of digital services, benefitting SMEs through competitive contracts. Future Trends for SMEs in the Public Sector Key trends shaping SME engagement in public sector procurement include: Digital Transformation and Technology Adoption: Increasing demand for innovative tech solutions. Sustainability and Net Zero Initiatives: Prioritising environmentally friendly products and services. Simplified Procurement Processes: The Procurement Act 2023 makes public procurement more accessible to SMEs. Focus on Social Value: Contracts awarded based on social impact. Increased Collaboration and Partnerships: Forming partnerships to bid for larger contracts. Resilience and Supply Chain Diversification: Diversifying supplier base to reduce dependency on large suppliers. The UK public sector's encouragement of SME ecosystems within their supplier base brings numerous benefits, including fostering innovation, economic growth, social value, and supply chain resilience. By continuing to support and engage with SMEs, the public sector can build a dynamic, competitive, and sustainable procurement landscape. If you're looking to partner with an experienced eco-system SME visit our Services page to find out more 

Most people think they have interview preparation perfected, but you’d be surprised by how many people overlook basic elements, and some simple improvements, which can be key to your success. We’ve gathered the top 4 tips to make your interview effortless and memorable. 1. Preparation is key Preparation is key to success, so make sure you have sufficient time to prepare before your interview and dedicate some time without distractions. Research The first step should be researching the organisation where you could be working. Visit any relevant websites and social media, look at LinkedIn profiles and do a general search on Google to see if they have any press about latest projects or initiatives. You want to get a feel for the work that they do, their mission and values, structure and their objectives or goals. You can then align some of your answers in the interview to reflect this, mirroring back their own language to create a commonality. Write down any keywords that stand out as markers for the organisation, such as ‘fast-paced’ or ‘outcome focused’. Revisit Revisit the job description. Think about why you applied and what attracted you to the job. What are the parts that excite you? Note these down and keep them handy, so you can show enthusiasm about these in the interview. Which parts of the role do you think you would excel at and which parts are your skills lacking in? The job description should also give you an idea of the behaviours the interviewer is looking for. Look out for terms like ‘self-starter’, ‘team-player’ or ‘strong communicator’ so you can show that your behaviours and soft skills are also desirable. And revisit your CV. This is the main piece of information that the interviewer holds about you. Are there areas that align with the job description that you are likely to be asked to elaborate on? Are there any areas that the interviewer may question or want examples of? You should also check that your LinkedIn profile correctly reflects your CV and is up to date. Make sure your profile photo is professional and you've included volunteer information, any groups and have some good recommendations from colleagues. Common Questions Prepare for the most common interview questions. These are generally competency-based questions such as: Making effective decisions Collaborating Leadership Strategic thinking Organisational skills Working under pressure Attention to detail Handling a difficult decision or situation Motivation Taking control of a situation Problem solving Creativity You may need an example for each area detailing the situation, your response to the situation and the positive outcome. Your questions What questions do you have about the role or the organisation? If the conversation is quite casual, you should be able to ask questions as they naturally arise, but it’s also important to ask a question at the end of the interview to show you are still interested. This could be in regard to the contract length or timeline, or “when are you likely to make a decision?” Write down your questions as after processing other conversations, you may need a reminder. ​ 2. Promoting you Clarify your ‘selling points’. Why would you be good at the job and what sets you apart from other applicants? Identify key responsibilities of the role and prepare several examples of your experience and achievements in these areas. Where possible use statistics to evidence this. Specific Examples with STAR You can use the S.T.A.R method to create quick and effective examples: Situation, Task, Action, Result. ​ Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved ​ You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand Showcase your work If the interview is specific to certain types of work such as design, content, or products, you may have been asked to, or may just want to, showcase examples of your work. Make sure examples are relevant to the role and showcase your best skills. You may want to go in-depth with a case study, outlining objectives and processes or just create a short screenshare presentation that acts as a portfolio. If you do this, ensure you can concisely talk through or narrate your work to give your interviewer a good understanding and positive takeaway points. You want to be memorable. Practice this prior to the interview with a friend to get feedback and identify areas that could be improved. ​ 3. The Set Up Have a trial run before the actual interview to resolve any issues. ​ Technical Difficulties There is nothing worse than being failed by technology in an already stressful situation. Prior to the interview (the previous day and in the hours before) test your technology. Do you know which video platform you will be interviewed on? Have you used it before? Set it up and test it out. Make sure you are familiar with all the functionality or features in case you are asked to change any settings or screenshare unexpectedly. It is better to do an interview on a laptop, rather than a phone as you have more control. Make sure your camera and microphone are working and set to appropriate levels. Also make sure all software updates are completed because no one wants a computer update starting randomly mid interview. Location Where will you do the interview? Do you have a reliable WiFi connection? Conduct the interview somewhere private and quiet where you won’t be disturbed. Notify family or housemates ahead of time or book a meeting room if you are in a shared space/office. Test sitting in-front of the camera and take a good look at your background, as well as without you in frame in case you need to get up at any point. You need a minimal and non-distracting background, with good lighting so you can be clearly seen. Check your camera angles, as some laptop cameras can be set lower. Try to position the camera for a clear and proportioned head and shoulders shot where you can make easy and comfortable eye contact with the camera. Distancing is also key; you don’t want to look too far away or equally right on top of the screen. Make sure your chair or seat is also comfortable. If your interview is taking place in person be sure to identify the location and plan your route the day before, leaving yourself enough time in case of travel disruption. ​ ​ 4. First impressions count According to research, it takes 7 seconds to make a judgement about someone when first meeting them. Whether we mean to or not, we can make unconscious judgements based on appearance and body language, so it’s important to look presentable. Wellbeing This is an area that is often overlooked but can really make an impact on how you present yourself and how you feel in an interview. The night before the interview, try you get a good night’s sleep. This will help you feel well rested, refreshed and more alert in the morning .Make sure you’ve eaten prior to the interview, nothing too heavy, and that you are well hydrated. Have a drink on hand in the interview as you’ll be talking for a while. Dress The Part Dress appropriately for the role or organisation. It’s better to be dressed more formally, than looking too casual. Even if your interview is via video link, dress as if you are meeting in person, full body in smart attire as you may need to move away from the screen. Beyond clothing, ensure that you are also clean, tidy, and looking polished. Looking your best translates into feeling your best and will give you confidence. Body Language Body language is important. You want to a strike a balance between enthusiasm and professionalism. Ensure you have open body language such as good posture, arms relaxed by your side and a straight back and use a good amount of eye contact (to the camera). Be aware of your gestures, it’s good to have some movement to main interest and feel comfortable, but you don’t want to be so animated that it becomes distracting. Monitor your tone of voice to keep things friendly and enthusiastic, and remember to smile. ​ ​ ​ Looking for a new contract job? If you're looking for a new role, Hanover specialise in DDaT capabilities for UK Government. We can find you an exciting and rewarding contract in: Data, Product & Delivery, Technical, IT Operations, QAT, and User-Centred Design. See our latest contracts here!

Departments: NHS, Department of Health & Social Care, Public Health England & National Institute for Health & Care Excellence. ​ Working with Government healthcare departments on time-critical projects, we listened to their needs and set out strategies to find the best skills at a critical time for UK healthcare. We supplied talented associates that created end-to-end solutions for new healthcare platforms, emergency triage software and urgent pandemic response structures. This involved understanding content needed in order to support critical user needs and optimise user journeys. This approach also provided new user behaviour insights that could be used to inform wider healthcare initiatives and help convert underlying policy intent into quantifiable and motivated actions. ​ Experts Supplied: Agile Delivery Managers Lead Delivery Managers Senior Business Analysts User Research Leads Data Managers MDM Consultants Infrastructure Engineers Head of Customer Insights Product Marketing Managers Data Scientists Technical Architects Senior Services Designers Incident Handling Lead Mobile App Product Managers Salesforce Product Managers Senior Project Managers Demand Modelling Engagement Analysts .Net Developers

​Post-lockdown, the new buzzword that has managers debating working style policies is 'Hybrid Working'. But what does it really entail? Is it really suitable for your workplace, and more importantly, your employees? ​ What is 'hybrid working'? Hybrid working is a relatively new term, coined to demonstrate different ways of working combined, including: Working in the office Flexible hours Remote working options Working from home It's been born out of companies adjusting to the Covid pandemic and the necessity under government guidelines for business to pivot to digital working and working from home under lockdowns rules. Now as restrictions lift, companies are considering what it means to head back to the office and whether we really want to. According to the ONS , prior to the pandemic around only 5% of UK employees worked from home and a recent report from the CIPD showed that pre-pandemic, 65% of employers did not offer remote working options at all. The report also shows that now 40% of employers expect more than half of their workforce to work regularly from home in the future. ​ ​ Do you employees want hybrid working? The short answer is YES! Positive employee experiences are essential to productivity, reducing staff turnover, diversity and culture. According to Microsoft’s 2021 report, 73% of employees wanted flexible, remote work options, post-lockdown. If you CAN offer options for hybrid working to your employees, whilst maintaining business goals, why wouldn't you? If you're in doubt about its need, conduct an employee survey and ask what options your employees would like. The pandemic has created new employee expectations. It's not just about flexible working anymore, it's about individuals managing their own safety and working in a way that they feel secure and comfortable, and that also respects each others boundaries. If you have a mix of employees that have different health situations, you can't force them to conform to one set scenario. It just won't work. You should care enough about employees wellbeing to invest in hybrid working options and the associated tech to support it. Hybrid working also helps to create better work/life balance for employees who may be suffering from health complications, are working parents or carers, and people with other stressful responsibilities outside of work. ​ ​ What are the challenges of hybrid working? Dependant on the type of work you do and how large your teams are, there will be some challenges to offering hybrid working. Here's a few things you need to consider: Some of your roles may not be suitable for remote or hybrid working Keeping track of everyone - who is working from where and when Effective management - monitoring productivity, meeting deadlines Communication - meetings, group chats, keeping in touch, performance reviews Training & Development - better online or in-person? Wellbeing - isolation, new employee onboarding, socialising Tech - resources, hardware, connectivity, costs How will hybrid working benefit your business? One way hybrid working may benefit you as a leader is in a reduction of office space, work space rental and facilities costs. With a reduction of people in the office, you could reduce the office size, moving savings to other areas of your business. Hybrid working can also hinder the spread of illnesses, (not just limited to Covid), and mean you have a fully functioning and healthy team. Employees suffering from a bad cold may feel well enough to work but don't want to pass germs onto their co-workers, so working from home is a great option. However, the main benefit of introducing hybrid working is a big one. Employee happiness! We all know that happy employees are substantially more productive, making your business more profitable. Flexibility for working styles and personal needs create better work/life balance. This in-turn creates a positive working environment, stronger collaboration, employee loyalty and a reduction in staff turnover. ​ How do you implement hybrid working? 1. Policies - Ask yourself whether your policies are long, or short term? Talk with all managers about what will work for their team. Will you still be able to meet customer expectations and continue performing at an optimum level? When implementing hybrid working, it's important to outline very clear policies. Detail the working options available, specify what they mean and what they entail. Also outline what is expected from your employees and what happens if those expectations are not met. You can also offer one to one conversations for special cases. Some roles may not qualify for hybrid or remote working, so it is best to discuss this with anyone affected individually. Once you have a policy outline in place, look at how achievable those policies are utilising your current resources. Are there any obvious holes in your plans? Do you need anything new and what are the costs involved? Ask for feedback from your employees on what they need for working outside of the office. Give careful consideration to the contractual implications of hybrid working, as implementing a new policy can sometimes amount to a formal change to terms and conditions of employment. It is best to run your draft policy past a legal advisor. If you are welcoming people back into the office, make sure you stay up-to-date and comply with Government guidelines and conduct a health and safety risk assessment. ​ 2. Technology - Many stumbling blocks regarding hybrid working can be overcome by utilising technology. For example - using Zoom and Microsoft Teams, creating an intranet, updating employee communications or incentives, and managing projects in platforms such as Slack and Basecamp. Also think about new employees and how they will be onboarded. How can you make new recruits feel welcomed but also supported if they are not in an office? Make a list of your current tech and tech support, then review and source any new platforms you need. ​ 3. Hardwar e - It's important you keep on top of your hardware such as laptops, monitors, hard drives etc. Are they all fit for purpose? How will they be assigned and monitored? How often do they need to be checked and updated? Do you have a support company or IT dept. that will be able to manage this? ​ 4. Performance - With employees being in and out of the office, or working remotely for long periods, performance may be harder to observe and monitor. You may need to shift how you perceive good performance. For example: from employees being at their desk whenever you call, to instead looking at actual outcomes of work and meeting deadlines. Performance reviews and meetings should wherever possible be in person to maintain relationships. ​ 5. Wellbeing - What are the wellbeing implications for your new policies? Managers should receive training in understanding and spotting potential signs of poor wellbeing and mental health symptoms. Ongoing mental health support and information should be readily available and regularly promoted to all employees. Respect boundaries going forward. Just because someone is now working from home and has the tech to be available at anytime, it does not mean they are now contactable 24/7. Work hours should remain fixed and non urgent contact kept to a minimum outside of those hours. Fairness & inclusivity is also an area of wellbeing to bear in mind. During the pandemic there was a disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities and also with women being much more likely to be both furloughed and undertake childcare responsibilities. Identify areas where inequalities may have developed, or could develop in the future and set out plans to address these. You should also do your best to ensure equality of experience between employees in the office and employees at home and have plans to address any potential conflict. ​ ​ Conclusion In a few years 'Hybrid Working' could be standard for most companies. Data from OpenSensors shows that 9 out of 10 UK workers want the option to work remotely once offices reopen. Early adopters and tech giants such as Twitter, Facebook and Google, are already offering a variety of hybrid working options. Whilst the future remains unclear, having a choice of flexible options for hybrid working could mean the difference between success and failure for your business. We've seen throughout the pandemic, that companies who embrace hybrid or remote working, digital technology resources and ecommerce, can not only survive but actually thrive! ​ ​ We're here to help! Hanover offer solutions to support engagement, remote interviewing and remote onboarding. You're busy helping existing employees and doing your day job, so at Hanover we manage a fast and simple process for you, including: Candidate Engagement - Job Advertising, Interactive Job Descriptions, Content Marketing Video Interviews - Online Video Interviews. Share, shortlist and feedback in a few clicks Remote Onboarding - Data Insights to tailor remote onboarding to individual needs Find out more about our recruitment solutions here!

The Procurement Act 2023, from February 2025, introduced significant reforms aimed at enhancing public procurement processes in the UK. These changes present unique opportunities for Public Sector Prime Suppliers to collaborate with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), fostering a more dynamic and efficient supply chain. ​ Simplified Bidding Processes The Act introduces a 'competitive flexible' procedure, simplifying bidding and negotiation processes. This flexibility enables prime suppliers to engage SMEs more effectively, leveraging their specialized skills and innovative solutions to meet diverse public sector needs. ​ Open Commercial Frameworks By making commercial frameworks more accessible, the Act ensures that suppliers, including SMEs, are not excluded for extended periods. This openness allows prime suppliers to diversify their subcontractor base, enhancing competitiveness and resilience in project delivery. ​ Strengthened Payment Provisions The Act mandates 30-day payment terms throughout the supply chain, improving cash flow for SMEs. For prime suppliers, this ensures a stable and reliable network of subcontractors, reducing project delays and fostering stronger partnerships. ​ Enhanced Transparency with 'Find a Tender' The upgraded 'Find a Tender' or Central Digital Platform makes procurement opportunities more visible, making it easy to search at no cost and set up alerts for tenders of interest. This transparency facilitates prime suppliers in identifying and collaborating with capable SMEs, streamlining the procurement process and enhancing project outcomes. ​ Greater Oversight and Compliance The establishment of the Procurement Review Unit (PRU) provides oversight across all sectors, ensuring adherence to procurement standards. This oversight encourages fair competition and accountability, benefiting both prime suppliers and SMEs by promoting a level playing field. ​ Conclusion Embracing the reforms of the Procurement Act 2023 allows Public Sector Prime Suppliers to build robust ecosystems with SME suppliers. This collaboration not only enhances service delivery but also contributes to economic growth and innovation within the public sector.

In today's ever-evolving business landscape, understanding IR35, also known as the 'off-payroll working rules,' is crucial for both companies and contractors. This blog post will delve into the key facts, updates, and strategies related to IR35. What is IR35? IR35 was first introduced in 1999 as the 35th mandate of the year by the then Inland Revenue, now known as HMRC. The legislation was signed into law on April 6, 2000, and it applies to individuals who supply their services through an intermediary, typically a Limited Company. The primary aim of IR35 is to ensure that contractors working through their limited company, who would otherwise be considered employees if the limited company were not in place, pay employment taxes and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). This is commonly referred to as being "inside IR35." History and Background Initially, contractors were responsible for determining their IR35 status. However, with the implementation of new rules in April 2017, public sector organizations became responsible for determining the IR35 status of their contractors. This shift aimed to increase compliance and reduce tax avoidance. In April 2021, the private sector reform adjusted the responsibilities so that medium and large end clients took on the legal responsibility of determining their contractors' IR35 status. When Does IR35 Apply? IR35 applies when a contractor operates through a UK-limited company, regardless of the work location. It affects contractors engaging via their limited company with public sector clients, such as local authorities, universities, and national service organizations. And currently for medium or large private sector clients, the client must meet two of the following criteria: Have an annual turnover of at least £10.2 million Have assets of at least £5.1 million Employ at least 50 staff Where the IR35 Rules Differ The IR35 reforms that came into place in April 2021 do not apply if a private sector client is considered a small company, as they fall under the small company exemption. As of April 6, 2025, the thresholds for determining a company's size for IR35 purposes have increased. This means that more medium-sized companies will fall under the small company exemption. To fall under the small company exemption a client must meet two of the following criteria: Have an annual turnover of not more than £15m (increased from £10.2m) Have assets of not more than £7.5m (increased from £5.1m) Employ no more than 50 employees If a contractor is working for a client based entirely overseas, and the client has no presence in the UK, the IR35 reforms do not apply. In both instances, the contractor is responsible for determining their own IR35 status and paying the appropriate taxes. When IR35 was introduced into the public sector, HMRC's guidance stated that, where end clients were engaging in fully contracted-out services via a third party, the end client would not need to determine the IR35 status of workers supplied by the outsourced services provider. The service provider would need to determine the status of its own contractors. Inside vs. Outside IR35 Understanding the difference between working inside and outside IR35 is essential for contractors. Outside IR35, contractors can work as self-employed and will be paid gross. Inside IR35, contractors engage via limited companies, are employed for tax purposes only, and have PAYE and National Insurance Contributions taken from their gross pay, resulting in a net salary. Some clients opt to engage contractors through an Umbrella Company to mitigate risks, as the off-payroll working rules do not apply in such cases. The Umbrella Company employs the Contractor directly, so the off-payroll working rules do not apply as the contractor is on payroll. Determination Factors Several factors can determine a contractor's IR35 status: Supervision, Direction, and Control : Can the contractor decide when, where, and how the work is completed? Substitution : Does the contractor have the option to send someone else to deliver the work if they are unavailable? The client would need to consider if they would allow the contractor to send a substitute since real-world scenarios will be considered over and above what is stated in the contract. Mutuality of Obligation : If there is no work available, is the client obliged to find some, and is the Contractor obliged to complete the work? Financial Risk : What financial risks is the contractor undertaking to deliver the project or promote their business activities? For example: Is the contractor expected to fix any mistakes they have made at their own time and expense? Does the Contractor pay for business insurances to protect them and their business activity? Part and Parcel : Will the contractor be embedded in company life? Will they have access to staff facilities, staff social events, or receive staff benefits? Responsibilities Public sector and medium and large-sized private sector clients must decide the IR35 status of an engagement and share the status determination statement (SDS) with all parties in the supply chain. All clients must take ‘reasonable care’ when determining IR35 status. HMRC defines reasonable care as acting “in a way that would be expected of a prudent and reasonable person in the client’s position.” Clients must provide a “client-led status disagreement process,” as either the recruiter or the contractor may dispute the IR35 determination. Conclusion Understanding IR35 and its implications is essential for both contractors and companies. By staying informed about the key facts, updates, and strategies, you can navigate the complexities of IR35 and ensure compliance with the regulations. About Hanover Hanover is a hybrid IT services and staffing company helping the UK Public Sector digitise and improve public services. We operate alongside some of the worlds top Systems Integrators as an SME Ecosystem partner. Find out more about our services

The UK public sector increasingly values integrating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into their supplier base. This strategic shift is driven by several key factors that highlight the benefits of fostering SME ecosystems. Innovation and Agility SMEs are often at the forefront of innovation due to their agility and responsiveness to market changes. Engaging with SMEs allows the public sector to tap into this innovation, crucial for addressing complex challenges and improving public services. Economic Growth and Job Creation Supporting SMEs stimulates economic growth and creates jobs. SMEs are significant contributors to the UK economy, accounting for much of employment and economic activity. As of 2024, there were 5.5 million SMEs in the UK, making up 99.8% of the business population, providing employment to 16.6 million people, and generating a turnover of £2.8 trillion. Diverse and Competitive Supply Chains A diverse supplier base fosters competition and ensures value for money. SMEs bring specialist skills and expertise, enhancing the quality of goods and services procured and promoting a more competitive marketplace. Social Value and Community Impact SMEs often have strong community ties and can deliver social benefits, such as local employment and community initiatives. Working with SMEs enhances the social impact of public sector procurement activities. Policy and Regulatory Support Government policies encourage SME inclusion in public sector supply chains. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) have implemented measures to remove barriers for SMEs and increase the visibility of tender opportunities. Resilience and Sustainability SMEs contribute to resilient and sustainable supply chains by providing niche products and services, reducing dependency on large suppliers, and offering environmentally friendly solutions. Example: HMRC DALAS Framework The HMRC's Digital and Legacy Application Services (DALAS) framework supports the delivery of future application services and reduces dependency on legacy technologies, providing a gateway for SMEs to offer their innovative IT solutions. Example: Digital Capability for Health 2 (DCFH2) Framework The DCFH2 framework supports digital transformation in health and social care by providing access to suppliers delivering a range of digital services, benefitting SMEs through competitive contracts. Future Trends for SMEs in the Public Sector Key trends shaping SME engagement in public sector procurement include: Digital Transformation and Technology Adoption: Increasing demand for innovative tech solutions. Sustainability and Net Zero Initiatives: Prioritising environmentally friendly products and services. Simplified Procurement Processes: The Procurement Act 2023 makes public procurement more accessible to SMEs. Focus on Social Value: Contracts awarded based on social impact. Increased Collaboration and Partnerships: Forming partnerships to bid for larger contracts. Resilience and Supply Chain Diversification: Diversifying supplier base to reduce dependency on large suppliers. The UK public sector's encouragement of SME ecosystems within their supplier base brings numerous benefits, including fostering innovation, economic growth, social value, and supply chain resilience. By continuing to support and engage with SMEs, the public sector can build a dynamic, competitive, and sustainable procurement landscape. If you're looking to partner with an experienced eco-system SME visit our Services page to find out more 

Most people think they have interview preparation perfected, but you’d be surprised by how many people overlook basic elements, and some simple improvements, which can be key to your success. We’ve gathered the top 4 tips to make your interview effortless and memorable. 1. Preparation is key Preparation is key to success, so make sure you have sufficient time to prepare before your interview and dedicate some time without distractions. Research The first step should be researching the organisation where you could be working. Visit any relevant websites and social media, look at LinkedIn profiles and do a general search on Google to see if they have any press about latest projects or initiatives. You want to get a feel for the work that they do, their mission and values, structure and their objectives or goals. You can then align some of your answers in the interview to reflect this, mirroring back their own language to create a commonality. Write down any keywords that stand out as markers for the organisation, such as ‘fast-paced’ or ‘outcome focused’. Revisit Revisit the job description. Think about why you applied and what attracted you to the job. What are the parts that excite you? Note these down and keep them handy, so you can show enthusiasm about these in the interview. Which parts of the role do you think you would excel at and which parts are your skills lacking in? The job description should also give you an idea of the behaviours the interviewer is looking for. Look out for terms like ‘self-starter’, ‘team-player’ or ‘strong communicator’ so you can show that your behaviours and soft skills are also desirable. And revisit your CV. This is the main piece of information that the interviewer holds about you. Are there areas that align with the job description that you are likely to be asked to elaborate on? Are there any areas that the interviewer may question or want examples of? You should also check that your LinkedIn profile correctly reflects your CV and is up to date. Make sure your profile photo is professional and you've included volunteer information, any groups and have some good recommendations from colleagues. Common Questions Prepare for the most common interview questions. These are generally competency-based questions such as: Making effective decisions Collaborating Leadership Strategic thinking Organisational skills Working under pressure Attention to detail Handling a difficult decision or situation Motivation Taking control of a situation Problem solving Creativity You may need an example for each area detailing the situation, your response to the situation and the positive outcome. Your questions What questions do you have about the role or the organisation? If the conversation is quite casual, you should be able to ask questions as they naturally arise, but it’s also important to ask a question at the end of the interview to show you are still interested. This could be in regard to the contract length or timeline, or “when are you likely to make a decision?” Write down your questions as after processing other conversations, you may need a reminder. ​ 2. Promoting you Clarify your ‘selling points’. Why would you be good at the job and what sets you apart from other applicants? Identify key responsibilities of the role and prepare several examples of your experience and achievements in these areas. Where possible use statistics to evidence this. Specific Examples with STAR You can use the S.T.A.R method to create quick and effective examples: Situation, Task, Action, Result. ​ Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved ​ You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand Showcase your work If the interview is specific to certain types of work such as design, content, or products, you may have been asked to, or may just want to, showcase examples of your work. Make sure examples are relevant to the role and showcase your best skills. You may want to go in-depth with a case study, outlining objectives and processes or just create a short screenshare presentation that acts as a portfolio. If you do this, ensure you can concisely talk through or narrate your work to give your interviewer a good understanding and positive takeaway points. You want to be memorable. Practice this prior to the interview with a friend to get feedback and identify areas that could be improved. ​ 3. The Set Up Have a trial run before the actual interview to resolve any issues. ​ Technical Difficulties There is nothing worse than being failed by technology in an already stressful situation. Prior to the interview (the previous day and in the hours before) test your technology. Do you know which video platform you will be interviewed on? Have you used it before? Set it up and test it out. Make sure you are familiar with all the functionality or features in case you are asked to change any settings or screenshare unexpectedly. It is better to do an interview on a laptop, rather than a phone as you have more control. Make sure your camera and microphone are working and set to appropriate levels. Also make sure all software updates are completed because no one wants a computer update starting randomly mid interview. Location Where will you do the interview? Do you have a reliable WiFi connection? Conduct the interview somewhere private and quiet where you won’t be disturbed. Notify family or housemates ahead of time or book a meeting room if you are in a shared space/office. Test sitting in-front of the camera and take a good look at your background, as well as without you in frame in case you need to get up at any point. You need a minimal and non-distracting background, with good lighting so you can be clearly seen. Check your camera angles, as some laptop cameras can be set lower. Try to position the camera for a clear and proportioned head and shoulders shot where you can make easy and comfortable eye contact with the camera. Distancing is also key; you don’t want to look too far away or equally right on top of the screen. Make sure your chair or seat is also comfortable. If your interview is taking place in person be sure to identify the location and plan your route the day before, leaving yourself enough time in case of travel disruption. ​ ​ 4. First impressions count According to research, it takes 7 seconds to make a judgement about someone when first meeting them. Whether we mean to or not, we can make unconscious judgements based on appearance and body language, so it’s important to look presentable. Wellbeing This is an area that is often overlooked but can really make an impact on how you present yourself and how you feel in an interview. The night before the interview, try you get a good night’s sleep. This will help you feel well rested, refreshed and more alert in the morning .Make sure you’ve eaten prior to the interview, nothing too heavy, and that you are well hydrated. Have a drink on hand in the interview as you’ll be talking for a while. Dress The Part Dress appropriately for the role or organisation. It’s better to be dressed more formally, than looking too casual. Even if your interview is via video link, dress as if you are meeting in person, full body in smart attire as you may need to move away from the screen. Beyond clothing, ensure that you are also clean, tidy, and looking polished. Looking your best translates into feeling your best and will give you confidence. Body Language Body language is important. You want to a strike a balance between enthusiasm and professionalism. Ensure you have open body language such as good posture, arms relaxed by your side and a straight back and use a good amount of eye contact (to the camera). Be aware of your gestures, it’s good to have some movement to main interest and feel comfortable, but you don’t want to be so animated that it becomes distracting. Monitor your tone of voice to keep things friendly and enthusiastic, and remember to smile. ​ ​ ​ Looking for a new contract job? If you're looking for a new role, Hanover specialise in DDaT capabilities for UK Government. We can find you an exciting and rewarding contract in: Data, Product & Delivery, Technical, IT Operations, QAT, and User-Centred Design. See our latest contracts here!

Departments: NHS, Department of Health & Social Care, Public Health England & National Institute for Health & Care Excellence. ​ Working with Government healthcare departments on time-critical projects, we listened to their needs and set out strategies to find the best skills at a critical time for UK healthcare. We supplied talented associates that created end-to-end solutions for new healthcare platforms, emergency triage software and urgent pandemic response structures. This involved understanding content needed in order to support critical user needs and optimise user journeys. This approach also provided new user behaviour insights that could be used to inform wider healthcare initiatives and help convert underlying policy intent into quantifiable and motivated actions. ​ Experts Supplied: Agile Delivery Managers Lead Delivery Managers Senior Business Analysts User Research Leads Data Managers MDM Consultants Infrastructure Engineers Head of Customer Insights Product Marketing Managers Data Scientists Technical Architects Senior Services Designers Incident Handling Lead Mobile App Product Managers Salesforce Product Managers Senior Project Managers Demand Modelling Engagement Analysts .Net Developers

​Post-lockdown, the new buzzword that has managers debating working style policies is 'Hybrid Working'. But what does it really entail? Is it really suitable for your workplace, and more importantly, your employees? ​ What is 'hybrid working'? Hybrid working is a relatively new term, coined to demonstrate different ways of working combined, including: Working in the office Flexible hours Remote working options Working from home It's been born out of companies adjusting to the Covid pandemic and the necessity under government guidelines for business to pivot to digital working and working from home under lockdowns rules. Now as restrictions lift, companies are considering what it means to head back to the office and whether we really want to. According to the ONS , prior to the pandemic around only 5% of UK employees worked from home and a recent report from the CIPD showed that pre-pandemic, 65% of employers did not offer remote working options at all. The report also shows that now 40% of employers expect more than half of their workforce to work regularly from home in the future. ​ ​ Do you employees want hybrid working? The short answer is YES! Positive employee experiences are essential to productivity, reducing staff turnover, diversity and culture. According to Microsoft’s 2021 report, 73% of employees wanted flexible, remote work options, post-lockdown. If you CAN offer options for hybrid working to your employees, whilst maintaining business goals, why wouldn't you? If you're in doubt about its need, conduct an employee survey and ask what options your employees would like. The pandemic has created new employee expectations. It's not just about flexible working anymore, it's about individuals managing their own safety and working in a way that they feel secure and comfortable, and that also respects each others boundaries. If you have a mix of employees that have different health situations, you can't force them to conform to one set scenario. It just won't work. You should care enough about employees wellbeing to invest in hybrid working options and the associated tech to support it. Hybrid working also helps to create better work/life balance for employees who may be suffering from health complications, are working parents or carers, and people with other stressful responsibilities outside of work. ​ ​ What are the challenges of hybrid working? Dependant on the type of work you do and how large your teams are, there will be some challenges to offering hybrid working. Here's a few things you need to consider: Some of your roles may not be suitable for remote or hybrid working Keeping track of everyone - who is working from where and when Effective management - monitoring productivity, meeting deadlines Communication - meetings, group chats, keeping in touch, performance reviews Training & Development - better online or in-person? Wellbeing - isolation, new employee onboarding, socialising Tech - resources, hardware, connectivity, costs How will hybrid working benefit your business? One way hybrid working may benefit you as a leader is in a reduction of office space, work space rental and facilities costs. With a reduction of people in the office, you could reduce the office size, moving savings to other areas of your business. Hybrid working can also hinder the spread of illnesses, (not just limited to Covid), and mean you have a fully functioning and healthy team. Employees suffering from a bad cold may feel well enough to work but don't want to pass germs onto their co-workers, so working from home is a great option. However, the main benefit of introducing hybrid working is a big one. Employee happiness! We all know that happy employees are substantially more productive, making your business more profitable. Flexibility for working styles and personal needs create better work/life balance. This in-turn creates a positive working environment, stronger collaboration, employee loyalty and a reduction in staff turnover. ​ How do you implement hybrid working? 1. Policies - Ask yourself whether your policies are long, or short term? Talk with all managers about what will work for their team. Will you still be able to meet customer expectations and continue performing at an optimum level? When implementing hybrid working, it's important to outline very clear policies. Detail the working options available, specify what they mean and what they entail. Also outline what is expected from your employees and what happens if those expectations are not met. You can also offer one to one conversations for special cases. Some roles may not qualify for hybrid or remote working, so it is best to discuss this with anyone affected individually. Once you have a policy outline in place, look at how achievable those policies are utilising your current resources. Are there any obvious holes in your plans? Do you need anything new and what are the costs involved? Ask for feedback from your employees on what they need for working outside of the office. Give careful consideration to the contractual implications of hybrid working, as implementing a new policy can sometimes amount to a formal change to terms and conditions of employment. It is best to run your draft policy past a legal advisor. If you are welcoming people back into the office, make sure you stay up-to-date and comply with Government guidelines and conduct a health and safety risk assessment. ​ 2. Technology - Many stumbling blocks regarding hybrid working can be overcome by utilising technology. For example - using Zoom and Microsoft Teams, creating an intranet, updating employee communications or incentives, and managing projects in platforms such as Slack and Basecamp. Also think about new employees and how they will be onboarded. How can you make new recruits feel welcomed but also supported if they are not in an office? Make a list of your current tech and tech support, then review and source any new platforms you need. ​ 3. Hardwar e - It's important you keep on top of your hardware such as laptops, monitors, hard drives etc. Are they all fit for purpose? How will they be assigned and monitored? How often do they need to be checked and updated? Do you have a support company or IT dept. that will be able to manage this? ​ 4. Performance - With employees being in and out of the office, or working remotely for long periods, performance may be harder to observe and monitor. You may need to shift how you perceive good performance. For example: from employees being at their desk whenever you call, to instead looking at actual outcomes of work and meeting deadlines. Performance reviews and meetings should wherever possible be in person to maintain relationships. ​ 5. Wellbeing - What are the wellbeing implications for your new policies? Managers should receive training in understanding and spotting potential signs of poor wellbeing and mental health symptoms. Ongoing mental health support and information should be readily available and regularly promoted to all employees. Respect boundaries going forward. Just because someone is now working from home and has the tech to be available at anytime, it does not mean they are now contactable 24/7. Work hours should remain fixed and non urgent contact kept to a minimum outside of those hours. Fairness & inclusivity is also an area of wellbeing to bear in mind. During the pandemic there was a disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities and also with women being much more likely to be both furloughed and undertake childcare responsibilities. Identify areas where inequalities may have developed, or could develop in the future and set out plans to address these. You should also do your best to ensure equality of experience between employees in the office and employees at home and have plans to address any potential conflict. ​ ​ Conclusion In a few years 'Hybrid Working' could be standard for most companies. Data from OpenSensors shows that 9 out of 10 UK workers want the option to work remotely once offices reopen. Early adopters and tech giants such as Twitter, Facebook and Google, are already offering a variety of hybrid working options. Whilst the future remains unclear, having a choice of flexible options for hybrid working could mean the difference between success and failure for your business. We've seen throughout the pandemic, that companies who embrace hybrid or remote working, digital technology resources and ecommerce, can not only survive but actually thrive! ​ ​ We're here to help! Hanover offer solutions to support engagement, remote interviewing and remote onboarding. You're busy helping existing employees and doing your day job, so at Hanover we manage a fast and simple process for you, including: Candidate Engagement - Job Advertising, Interactive Job Descriptions, Content Marketing Video Interviews - Online Video Interviews. Share, shortlist and feedback in a few clicks Remote Onboarding - Data Insights to tailor remote onboarding to individual needs Find out more about our recruitment solutions here!