Model sustainability and confirm agreement
Course overview · 4 min reading + 12 min practice, estimated
Principles and method
Evaluate whether the engagement covers expected effort, uncertainty and overhead at the proposed terms. Use downside scenarios including failed searches and late payment. Confirm that the person agreeing terms has the appropriate authority. Keep the approved proposal and agreement accessible to the delivery owner, with version control and a clear start condition. A discount should come with an understood tradeoff, not hidden reductions in candidate care or verification. Review actual effort and cash timing after delivery to improve future pricing decisions.
Worked example
A discounted engagement requires the same intensive research but extends payment timing. The cash model shows a funding gap. The recruiter renegotiates scope or timing rather than accepting a headline fee that cannot support delivery.
Put it into practice
Build a simple engagement cost and cash-timing model and write a go or revise decision.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Compare your approach: self-review guidance
Include delivery hours, overhead assumptions, uncertainty and payment dates. State where professional accounting or legal advice is needed. A viable agreement must be deliverable as well as signed.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- GOV.UK: Employment agencies and businesses
UK sector context. Distinguish introducing permanent staff from supplying workers.
- GOV.UK: Set up a business
UK starting point. Business structure and obligations depend on the circumstances.