Continuity: Longer term relationships

Julie Stewart has been an IT contractor for the last 27 years. She is currently working with Aviva, having started on a three month contract in May 2007, moving to the current programme in January 2008. The contract has been renewed every three months since then as Julie continues to deliver multiple phases of a programme scheduled for completion in September 2010.

Over time Julie has developed detailed understanding of Aviva’s systems and is able to integrate with the team very quickly. Clients benefit from her acquired knowledge of their products, combined with her objectivity and experience as an external provider. At a previous client she has also assumed a leadership role, for example providing cover when a client project manager and team leader took holidays simultaneously.

Julie is a trusted supplier with access to systems not usually available to new team members. To have full and easy access to these systems she usually works at the client site every day, but has the flexibility to work from home as and when required. Unlike a ‘temp’ she is not supervised by the client. She is an experienced specialist who decides how best to deploy her skills. Aviva’s managers focus on the deliverables and deadlines, controlling the project, not the person.  “Contracting suits me down to the ground”, says Julie. “The flexibility of having a three month renewable contract benefits both parties as neither of us are tied into the relationship – instead the relationship is built on a more positive motivation, the desire to continue working together.”