Posted By Adam Egglesfield I have spent the last 5 years as a legionella / asbestos / general indoor environmental consultant and am about to leave work to go back to University to study for an MSc. My current employers wish to retain me as an Associate Consultant for occasional project work, and another organisation has offered me occasional ad-hoc work when they have busy periods (although any periods of work will obviously be dependant on my studies). People have suggested that I set myself up as a freelance consultant and contract out my services to organisations. It seems sensible to at least consider this possibility and get advice from as many sources as possible. My particular concern at the moment is the thorny issue of insurance - Insurers are unwilling to provide professional indemnity insurance for this kind of work, unless you pay a huge premium, which would be impossible for me to afford. I am wondering if any contributors out there have any thoughts / advice on this? Does anyone use freelancers for this kind of work, and does your insurance cover them? I may be being over-ambitious, but it's got to beat the usual temping work that is usually open to students... Any responses gratefully read! Thanks

Posted By Adam Egglesfield Thanks, Anthony, I'll bear that in mind. Adam

Posted By Jeff Manion Have been doing free lance since 1991 For PI - IOSH recommendation broker are not very keen if you mention asbestos, suggest you contact me direct and can provide information. for the asbestos side have you a BIOH P402? if not PI cover may not be availble.

Posted By Geoff Burt It's not clear from the responses to date if you have received an answer. We employ several associate consultants on an occasional basis (some have other jobs and are doing homers - similar to your circumstances as described), they are all covered by our PI. You would only need your own PI if you had your own clients. You are also covered by their employers liability insurance. In other words the employing consultancies taking you on, on an occasional basis, should have their own PI which covers you.