Frequently Asked Questions
This section contains the answers to questions that regularly crop up - if you have a query for our recruitment team, please check here first to see if the answer is available.
1. How do I get my name entered into the Audit Commission Affiliates Pool?
2. When and where will the assessment centres be?
3. How will the Affiliates Pool work?
4. What rate will I be paid?
5. Will I be paid expenses over and above the daily rate?
6. Where will I be required to work?
7. Will I be able to use facilities at Audit Commission offices?
8. Do I have to accept projects offered?
9. How will I be paid?
10. How will the quality of my work be monitored?
11. Is there any training available?
12. Will the Audit Commission provide any equipment?
13. How much notice of projects will I receive?
14. How many projects will I be offered?
1. How do I get my name entered into the Audit Commission Affiliates Pool?
Your name will be entered onto the AC AP data base by written agreement following successful selection in the campaign beginning in May 2009. See www.everybody-counts.co.uk/affiliates
2. When and where will the assessment centres be?
Assessment centres for this campaign will be held on the 2nd, 3rd, 16th and 17th of June 2009.
3. How will the Affiliates Pool work?
Affiliates who are approved in the selection process will be offered a general contract for services upon acceptance of which they will be invited to enter their names on the Pool database. The contract will set out the general terms, including payment rates, upon which work may be offered whilst making it clear that there is no obligation on either the AC to offer or the affiliate to accept any work at all.
Once names are placed on the database work programmers may approach affiliates as and when work is available. If the Commission make and the affiliate accepts an offer for work to be performed specific terms for delivery of that work will be agreed in writing at that time.
4. What rate will I be paid?
The rate per day is agreed following successful selection and is set out in the contract for services issued at the point at which the affiliates name is placed on the data base. The rate is final and applies to all work subsequently delivered by the affiliate.
5. Will I be paid expenses over and above the daily rate?
Expenses may be agreed in advance of accepting the work and, if so, will be paid on submission of a valid claim, at the Commission's usual rates.
6. Where will I be required to work?
Many AC services are by their nature site specific and services may be required at any AC client or office site in England. The location will usually be indicated when an assignment is offered to you. You are at liberty to refuse any offer at any time and this would include circumstances in which you were unable or did not choose to work at a particular location.
7. Will I be able to use facilities at Audit Commission offices?
Some AC facilities for example hot desks and meeting rooms may be available if appropriate.
8. Do I have to accept projects offered?
There is no obligation to accept any offer made under this process.
9. How will I be paid?
In order to comply with HMRC requirements individual suppliers will be paid through the AC payroll on a schedule E basis. This means that Tax and NI will usually be deducted before payment. This is without prejudice to the suppliers self employed status. Individual supplier affiliates must complete an electronic Audit Commission Claim form in time for payment to be processed. This form must have the appropriate Line Managers signature for approval and payment will be made one month in arrears.
Affiliates who are able to show they are part of a company or Limited Company will be paid on a Schedule D Basis without deduction of tax and NI, and will be liable for their own tax, NI and any other statutory deductions. Payment will be made upon presentation of an invoice or invoices on the terms agreed in the contract and subject to the AC process for approval of invoices. All affiliates must complete an Audit Commission timesheet in time for payment to be processed.
10. How will the quality of my work be monitored?
The project manager for the work you are undertaking will liaise with you and other interested persons and assess your performance subject to the terms of the contract and approved quality control measures.
11. Is there any training available?
Because of the nature of much of the work undertaken by the Commission it is sometimes necessary or appropriate for self-employed persons to use AC equipment, software, methodologies etc. Where it is necessary for you to be able to do so appropriate support will be made available.
12. Will the Audit Commission provide any equipment?
AC equipment etc may be provided where it is considered appropriate to do so.
13. How much notice of projects will I receive?
Notice of work will vary, and the timescales required will be discussed with you when the project is offered. An offer may be made at very limited notice although we will endeavour to give as much notice as possible.
14. How many projects will I be offered?
There is no guaranteed minimum or maximum level of work and no guarantee of any suitable work at all.
