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Checklist for engaging an independent contractor

Checklist for hiring an independent contractor

Engaging an independent contractor is an effective way to add specialist skills to your organisation on a flexible basis. It is important to follow a structured process to define the working relationship clearly and to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

The checklist below provides a thorough guide to hiring and managing independent contractors, helping you maintain a clear and legally compliant working relationship.

1. Clarify the scope of work

  • Identify the project or tasks: Outline precisely the work the contractor will carry out.

  • Set project timelines: Specify the start date, key deadlines and the anticipated completion date.

  • Specify deliverables: Itemise the expected outcomes, products or services the contractor must deliver.

2. Establish contractor status

  • Verify classification: Confirm the individual satisfies the local legal criteria for independent contractor status.

  • Prevent misclassification:Take care not to dictate how the tasks are completed, as this may result in the contractor being treated as an employee.

3. Budget and payment arrangements

  • Prepare a budget for the project or task.

  • Agree payment terms and decide whether payment will be hourly, per project, or based on another arrangement.

  • Establish a payment schedule: Define payment milestones — upfront, on completion of specified tasks, or at project end.

4. Prepare a contract

Produce a written contract that sets out the terms of engagement and key clauses, including:

  • Scope and nature of the work

  • Payment terms

  • Deadlines

  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure

  • Ownership of intellectual property rights

  • Termination clause

Seek legal advice to confirm the contract complies with all applicable laws.

5. Collect the required documentation

  • Proof of insurance (if applicable)

  • Portfolio or references

6. Set up communication protocols

  • Primary contact: Appoint a single point of contact within your organisation.

  • Communication tools: Agree the preferred methods of communication

  • Schedule regular check-ins to review progress.

7. Onboard the contractor

  • Provide access to necessary tools, software or platforms.

  • Give a short induction to your company’s processes, culture and expectations.

  • Ensure the contractor is aware of and follows your company’s security protocols.

8. Monitor progress and maintain quality

  • Provide regular updates

  • Conduct quality checks

  • Offer feedback

9. Finalise and complete the project

  • Review final deliverables

  • Make the final payment

A single platform for hiring and managing contractors compliantly

Hiring international contractors is an effective way to build a mission-driven team without geographical boundaries, and Remote makes the process straightforward.

Remote’s contractor management services assist with hiring, paying and managing contractors globally, so you can concentrate on growing your business. With Remote you can:

  • Provide straightforward onboarding for contractors

  • Manage contractor agreements with our in-built custom contracts

  • Ensure compliance with local employment law and tax obligations

  • Protect your intellectual property

  • Process contractor payments promptly and in the correct currency

Find out more about our contractor management services or, if you are ready to start onboarding contractors, sign up today.