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What's in the Design Contracts Pack?
Explanatory notes for employers
A clear and simple manual showing you how to fill out documents, how to follow procedures and how to make the most of your Design Contracts pack, including diagrams and flowcharts.

Offer letter
An offer letter is essential in setting out basic terms and conditions of employment when hiring staff and contains the preconditions of employment for a new member of staff.

Employment contract
It is a legal requirement that a lot of terms and conditions of employment are set out in writing and provided to an employee. Our standard contract does this and the guidance helps you to fill it out.

Freelance agreement
Even though freelancers are not employees, it is important to establish clearly the agreed terms of any freelance arrangement. Also, they may be legally categorised as ‘workers’ so you need to know what their entitlements are, for example, to holiday pay.

Consultancy agreement
Although, again, consultants are not employees, it is critical to ensure that any consultancy arrangements protect your business. This includes issues such as intellectual property protection and restrictions on a consultant taking clients away from your business.

Opt out agreement
Employees and ‘workers’ who are likely to work more than 48 hours per week on average should be asked to sign this agreement to indicate their consent to opt out of the Working Time Regulations.

Equal opportunities policy
This is a must have for all employers to protect themselves against potential discrimination claims by showing that they practice and encourage a policy of equal treatment for all in the workplace.

Disciplinary and grievance procedures
Your business must have these procedures in place, and must ensure they are followed, otherwise any dismissal could be automatically unfair and potentially very expensive.

Leaving letter
This letter is an essential part of dealing with employees on the termination of their employment. It will protect the core value of your business by reminding ex-employees of restrictions on them working for competitors and of their obligations to keep your business affairs confidential.

Twice yearly online updates
For a subsequent annual subscription, you can receive updates which will ensure that your documentation is up-to-date in accordance with current legislation and case law. We will provide online any amendments needed and advice on how to implement any changes.