Firstly, I'm not sure if this has been posted in the correct forum, so apologies if it's in the wrong place.

I'm looking for some advice. I am currently employed by a medium-sized construction company in the role of 'HS&E Manager' where I've been for a number of years. Recently, an employee of the company left and took up a more senior position at a different company, also construction related, but not in the same sector nor one who is a direct competitor to the company I currently work for.

Since he has moved, he has been working on trying to improve the standards within the business, more specifically, the management system documentation and he has asked if I would consider working 'freelance' for his new company in order to assist him in improving the documentation side of the business.

Having never before had the desire nor inclination to set up on my own, I've never looked in the intricacies (insurances etc.) which come with working 'freelance'. I've also got no intention of leaving the company I currently work for, so I'm guessing there are all manner of barriers to consider should I take up the offer.

My gut feeling is to decline, but I was just wondering what the implications would be should I take up the offer.

Cheers,
D.

I'd check with your current employer HR department as some organisations will allow you to undertake other work as long as it doesn't interfere with the work you do at present (or is with a rival firm etc). If they are happy with you working for a few hours in effectively your own time then you can start looking at it in more detail.

Depending on the contract you would probably have to do your own tax return each year. The type of work will determine whether you'd need insurance etc I would guess. Would also need to know what level of commitment the person was expecting both at the moment and in the future i.e. do they see the work increasing or remaining at the same level so you could allocate say 2 hours a week to it but know it wouldn't suddenly be increased to 10 one week to meet demand as this would have an impact on your full time commitments?

Is the work something you'd fine interesting or could build on for the future? even considering expanding if there looked like there was a gap in the market? or would you find the work tedious - if that's the case then I'd probably give it a body swerve.

What sort of money is the person talking for your time? Check the market rate and don't sell yourself short. If there is a demand for your type of knowledge then expect to be paid accordingly. Even though the person is an ex-colleague, don't let them take the mick that way.

Good luck!