Fair Contracting Essentials for Freelancers and Service Buyers

Discover ways to be recognised as a service buyer of choice and a responsible freelancer by adopting and implementing fair and progressive practices that promote harmonious working relationships between businesses and self-employed persons (SEPs).

Why Fair Contracting Matters?

It is important to draw up a contract that clearly states the terms of engagement to avoid disputes during or after the course of engagement. A fair contract with freelancers and self-employed persons (FSEs) also builds trust and fosters a long and healthy working relationship. This is true for both service buyers and third parties acting on behalf of a client. 

3 in 4¹ consumers believe that businesses have a responsibility to ensure their suppliers adhere to an ethical code. This reflects the growing importance of ethical practices in today’s marketplace. 

Not Sure Where to Start?

Here are some tips on fair and progressive practices you can consider which encourages fair contracting practices between FSEs and service buyers.

A. Service Buyer

Role: Establish clear expectations and outline the conduct of the relationship with the Freelancer or Self-Employed Person (FSE).
Responsibilities: Provide detailed and transparent terms of service, ensuring mutual understanding and alignment on deliverables, timelines, and payment terms.

1. Adopt the Tripartite Standard on Contracting with Self-Employed Persons and/or the Tripartite Standard on Procurement of Services from Media Freelancers if you are procuring services from self-employed persons or media freelancers.
2. Build trust and confidence between FSEs and your customers when you engage in fair and ethical business, enhancing loyalty and providing assurance.
3. Establish a process of creating service agreements, to make it easier for businesses and FSEs to adhere to a structured workflow with clear, fair, and responsible terms so as to reduce misunderstandings and foster better working relationships. Tap into a ready template.
4. Engage FSEs listed on the U FSE Freelancer Directory who uphold fair practices and the Professional Code of Ethics.

B. Freelancer or Self-Employed Person (FSEs)

Role: Execute the agreed-upon services and duties responsibly.
Responsibilities: Adhere to the terms of the agreement, deliver high-quality work, and maintain professional conduct throughout the engagement.

1. Engage service buyers in discussing terms of products or services to be delivered.
2. Document the agreed terms in written key terms before service delivery. Tap into a ready template.
3. Establish your profile by publishing your services on U FSE Freelancer Directory for visibility to service buyers.
   
   

Support Available

The NTUC Freelancer and Self-Employed Unit (NTUC U FSE) represents and supports Singapore's growing pool of Freelancers and Self-Employed persons (FSEs). 

NTUC U FSE champions the wages, welfare, and work prospects of FSEs through strengthening their income security, skills, occupational safety and health, and protecting their collective interests.



NTUC U FSE aims to build a more sustainable and collaborative community of independent workers in Singapore. For more information, visit https://www.ufse.org.sg/resources/ntuc-u-fse-centre  or email: fseu@ntuc.org.sg

This article was contributed by NTUC U FSE in collaboration with TAFEP.

¹ Reference: https://www.smehorizon.com/responsible-sourcing-important-for-singapore-consumers-surveyed/