We can usually find someone to match your needs within a short space of time – usually within a space of days to weeks. Due to a national shortage of environmental health practitioners and an increase in the workloads of local authorities there is a large amount of work available for contractors and agencies to undertake. This means that not all enquiries or requests for assistance can be serviced within the time frame requested by the local authority, but we always do our best.

It is extremely helpful if you can be give us as much information as you can about the work that you need undertaken. This may mean letting us know the numbers and risk categories of inspections or the length of time you need someone on a placement.

It is usually easier to help you if you there is some flexibility in the way that the work can be carried out, for instance:-

• Can the work be tackled on a 'per inspection' basis rather than on a placement?
• Can the post be filled by job sharing?
• Could the contractor work flexible hours? e.g. four long days per week, instead of five normal days.

We also find that the demand for consultants increases markedly towards the end of the budgetry year. If you are able to anticipate the need for a consultant, the earlier in the financial year that you get your request in, the quicker you are likely to get your requirement fulfilled. It also makes sense to spread the number of inspections more evenly throughout the year as this will ensure that your administration staff will not be overloaded by paperwork. Of course, this will ensure that there is a more even spread of inspections in the coming months and years.

It is very helpful to try and ensure that the funding for the task has been agreed and is available before you contact us. This can save you time in selecting consultants that you would like only to find that they have found alternative work before the funding is agreed.

Finally, speed is of the essence. Consultant officers cannot remain without work for any length of time and they are anxious to obtain their next contract. If you can respond as quickly as possible for a decision on a CV, it will help to secure the services of the consultant that you want, before they move on to their next contract

For placements you will be quoted an hourly rate and a mileage rate. The hourly rate includes the pay for the consultant, employers NIC contribution and our commission. The mileage rate is for miles completed whilst they are on district.

The hourly rate charged will change according to the grade of officer required and the duration of the contract. Short term is more expensive than longer term.

For inspections you will be quoted a rate for the completion of the unit inspection. This rate is inclusive of all expenses, mileage and accommodation. For the rate you will get an inspection completed to the standards laid down in the guidance, all paperwork completed and a draft schedule of works if required. Additional charges may be placed on the unit cost for additional works, such as computer entry, sending out letters etc.

VAT will be added for both at the present rate.

When we have found appropriate consultants that are interested we will contact you and supply the relevant C.V’s. Sending out the C.V’s of unavailable candidates serves no purpose and wastes both our time and yours.

When you have accepted a candidate on the basis of their C.V and subject to a satisfactory interview, we will confirm the rate of employment and set a start date that will be confirmed in writing and subject to our terms of business.