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Checklist for hiring an independent contractor

Independent contractor hiring checklist

Bringing an independent contractor on board can be an effective way to add specialised skills to your organisation on a flexible basis. However, it's vital to adopt a methodical process to define the working relationship clearly and to meet legal obligations.

Use the checklist below to guide you through hiring and managing independent contractors, helping to establish a clear, legally compliant working relationship.

1. Define the scope of work

  • Identify the project or tasks: Describe precisely the work you expect the contractor to undertake.

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

  • Specify deliverables: Detail the expected outcomes, products or services the contractor will deliver.

2. Determine contractor status

  • Verify classification: Check that the worker fulfils the legal criteria for independent contractor status in your jurisdiction.

  • Avoid misclassification:Avoid exercising control over how the work is carried out, as doing so can result in the worker being classified as an employee.

3. Budget and payment terms

  • Prepare a budget for the project or task.

  • Agree payment terms and decide if payment will be hourly, per project or on another basis.

  • Establish a payment schedule: Define milestones for payments, for example upfront, on completion of specific tasks, or at the project end.

4. Draft a contract

Draw up a written contract that sets out the terms of engagement and key provisions, including:

  • Scope and nature of work

  • Payment terms

  • Deadlines

  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure

  • Intellectual property rights and ownership

  • Termination clause

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

5. Obtain necessary documentation

  • Proof of Insurance (if applicable)

  • Portfolio or references

6. Establish communication protocols

  • Primary contact: Appoint one main point of contact within your organisation.

  • Communication tools: Agree which methods you will use to communicate.

  • Regular check-ins to review progress.

7. Onboard the contractor

  • Give access to the tools, software or platforms needed.

  • Provide a short introduction to your company’s processes, culture and expectations.

  • Make sure the contractor understands and follows your company’s security protocols.

8. Monitor progress and quality

  • Regular updates

  • Quality checks

  • Provide feedback

9. Finalise and close out the project

  • Review deliverables

  • Make final payment

A single platform to hire and manage contractors compliantly

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

Remote’s contractor management services help you hire, pay and manage contractors worldwide so you can concentrate on growing your business. With Remote you can:

  • Provide simple onboarding for contractors

  • Oversee contractor agreements via our in-built custom contracts

  • Ensure compliance with local employment law and tax requirements

  • Protect your intellectual property

  • Process contractor payments quickly and in the appropriate currency

Find out more about our contractor management Services, or if you want to start onboarding contractors, sign up Today.