​6 reasons you may hire a health, safety, environment or sustainability contractor

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​6 reasons you may hire a health, safety, environment or sustainability contractor

Posted on 17 September 2023

Considered hiring a HSE contractor? Here are six reasons why it may be the right fit for your role…

Technical Expertise
Working at height? Chemical safety? Carbon management? 14001? If you have a project that calls for a health, safety, environment or sustainability specific skillset or expertise, hiring a contractor may be a suitable solution. Contractors often have focussed specialisms that you can match to your project and hit the ground running quickly.

Accessibility
Due to its niche nature, often, finding a suitable permanent hire in the health, safety, environment, or sustainability sector can take some time; not only do you have the time spent searching and interviewing, but also the notice period of a candidate. To ensure you do not rush into a decision, you could take on a contractor to cover the work while you spend the time needed to find the right candidate.

Speed
You may have a position that you need to fill promptly due to a sudden departure or leave of absence. Contractors in health, safety, environment, or sustainability are usually available to start at short notice – often a few days, while onboarding is also much quicker than a permanent hire.

Temporary cover
Contractors regularly cover temporary absences of permanent staff, for example covering employees on parental leave, long term sick leave, and other forms of extended leave.

Demand
Launching a new business unit? Acquired a new business? Constructing a new site? Your organisation may be facing a busy period and you require additional resource in the health, safety, environment, or sustainability function. Contractors are a great way to relieve the temporary pressure and allow your permanent staff to concentrate on their core business activities.

Financial
Due to the uncertainty of the economic climate, you may be reluctant to hire permanent staff, but with a contractor you are able to recruit the skills you need without the long-term financial commitment.


At Irwin and Colton, we are pleased to offer a streamlined, efficient, and fully compliant Contract & Interim service, with access to a vast network of qualified and trusted professionals available at short notice. As standard, our service includes:

• Fully vetted candidates that meet your requirements
• Professional qualifications checked
• Previous Employment references (min 2)
• Fully automated electronic payroll, timesheet, and invoicing platform
• Regular contractor reviews and check ins
• Fully insured and IR35 compliant contractors

James Cox leads the Contract Recruitment function at Irwin and Colton, contact James on james.cox@irwinandcolton.com or 01923 432 687. Irwin & Colton are a specialist Health and Safety recruitment company, based in the southeast of England and recruiting across the UK. We recruit all roles in the health, safety, environment, and sustainability industry.

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