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Checklist for hiring an independent contractor

Checklist for engaging an independent contractor

Engaging an independent contractor is an efficient way to add specialised skills to your organisation on a flexible basis. It is important to take a structured approach to define the working relationship clearly and to meet legal obligations.

This comprehensive checklist guides you through hiring and managing independent contractors, helping you maintain a clear, legally compliant engagement.

1. Define the scope of work

  • Identify the project or tasks: Provide a clear description of the work the contractor will undertake.

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

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

2. Determine contractor status

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

  • Avoid misclassification:Be careful not to control how the work is performed, as that may lead to the contractor being classified as an employee.

3. Budget and payment terms

  • Prepare a project budget.

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

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

4. Draft a contract

Create a written contract that sets out the engagement terms 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 ensure the contract complies with relevant laws.

5. Obtain necessary documentation

  • Proof of insurance (if applicable)

  • Portfolio or references

6. Establish communication protocols

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

  • Communication tools: Agree on preferred communication methods.

  • Regular check-ins to monitor progress.

7. Onboard the contractor

  • Provide access to required tools, software or platforms.

  • Offer a concise orientation to your company’s processes, culture and expectations.

  • Ensure the contractor understands and follows company 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 assemble a mission-driven team without geographical limits, and Remote simplifies the process.

Remote’s contractor management services support hiring, paying and managing contractors globally, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business. With Remote you can:

  • Provide straightforward onboarding for contractors

  • Administer contractor agreements using our in-built custom contracts

  • Ensure adherence to local employment laws and tax practices

  • 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 begin onboarding contractors, sign up today.