IR35 Staff Training

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Tailored IR35 training courses

Linx offers bespoke IR35 staff training solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your organisation and industry sector. Our tailored training packages are delivered by our subject matter experts and built around HMRC’s best practice, ensuring your team is equipped to manage off-payroll working with confidence. Training packages can be delivered 1-2-1 or within a larger group. 

Choose from a range of flexible delivery options to suit your business, including customised workshops that address your specific challenges and industry scenarios, and practical guides and resources. Our training goes beyond generic content – each session, whether delivered online or in person, is adapted to your company’s size, structure, and requirements. 

Key features of our bespoke IR35 training include: 

  • Comprehensive training on the off-payroll working rules, in line with HMRC’s own recommendations 
  • Interactive Q&A sessions for real-time clarification and engagement 
  • Practical guidance on understanding how a Status Determination Statement should be approached 
  • Clear and concise communication of internal processes surrounding IR35 
  • Access to tailored training packages for varying competency levels across your teams, from hiring managers to HR professionals

Whether you require in-depth workshops, modular e-learning, or focused support for your teams, we deliver the IR35 expertise and resources to ensure your business remains compliant and efficient. Investing in dedicated IR35 staff training helps to empower your colleagues with the knowledge and confidence to make accurate IR35 decisions and streamline compliance across your organisation. 

Developing the right IR35 staff training for your business

IR35 staff training should provide a comprehensive overview of IR35 legislation and the off-payroll working rules, enabling your teams to confidently navigate the complexities and responsibilities involved. 

Essential elements include understanding employment status principles and how to use tools like Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) to assess contingent worker arrangements accurately. Training must cover IR35 status criteria, the role of Personal Service Companies, and the preparation and management of Status Determination Statements. 

Your staff should also learn about Supervision, Direction, or Control (SDC), and the risks of blanket determinations versus individual assessments. The training should address relevant case law, the client-led disagreement process, and how to handle contracted-out services and deemed payments. By building knowledge in these areas, your organisation will be well-equipped to comply with the off-payroll working rules and avoid costly compliance pitfalls. 

Crucially, training should follow the latest guidance from HMRC, to ensure your company’s approach to IR35 remains robust and will stand up to scrutiny if challenged. Sounds like something you need help with? We’re always happy to chat about how we can tailor our training solutions to fit your business. 

Managing the risk of IR35 non-compliance through staff training

Investing in IR35 staff training is essential for managing the risk of non-compliance and safeguarding your organisation against costly penalties. Comprehensive training ensures your team understands how to use the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool and interpret the HMRC Employment Status Manual, both of which are key to making accurate employment status determinations. 

Regular training keeps your staff up to date with the latest regulations and best practices, reinforcing your organisation’s commitment to reasonable care and due diligence, helping to demonstrate to HMRC, if needed, that reasonable care has been taken when managing off-payroll working. Effective IR35 training also covers the entire engagement life cycle, from initial assessments to record-keeping, auditing, and reassessment – ensuring every step is documented and defensible. 

For businesses who are required to undertake routine auditing exercises to verify their adherence with regulatory compliance, such as maintaining the Workforce Assured accreditation, staff training on IR35 is vital to demonstrate your continued commitment. 

By equipping your team with the knowledge to confidently create and manage Status Determination Statements, maintain thorough records, and implement robust risk mitigation strategies, you provide clear evidence of compliance with HMRC guidelines. This proactive approach not only helps prevent non-compliance but also strengthens your position in the event of an HMRC audit or investigation. 

Supporting your business with IR35 

Alongside IR35 staff training, we have a range of solutions to proactively manage the risk of IR35 non-compliance. 

process reviews

Reviewing your IR35 processes to ensure they incorporate HMRC best practice, and are robust enough to be compliant with IR35 off-payroll working regulations. 

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Supply chain audits

Undertaking a comprehensive review of your supply chain to understand how IR35 is implemented, review working practices and ensure your recruitment providers are compliant.

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risk profiling

To be compliant with IR35 regulations, it’s crucial to understand how Personal Service Company (PSC) workers that support your operations are engaged. 

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New to IR35 and don’t know where to start with staff training? 

If you’re new to managing IR35, understanding the legislation and off-payroll working rules can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial for protecting your business and ensuring compliance. IR35 affects how organisations engage contingent workers operating through Personal Service Companies, with significant implications for employment status, tax responsibilities, and risk management. 

You may be considering whether to purchase an off the shelf training package, or work with an external advisor to develop a personalised programme created around your working practices. Both are certainly permitted in HMRC’s guidance, but it’s important to consider whether an off the shelf package will be tailored enough for you to be sure your staff are making the right IR35 determinations. 

If you’re unsure where to start, Linx is here to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our IR35 staff training solutions and how we can support your business every step of the way. 

Frequently asked questions about our IR35 staff training

What is IR35 staff training?

IR35 staff training equips your team with the knowledge and practical skills to understand IR35 legislation, off-payroll working rules, and how to assess and manage contingent worker relationships in line with HMRC’s guidelines for compliance. What’s delivered may vary depending on the training participants and their responsibilities within your IR35 internal training processes, as well as the level of detail they will need to undertake their roles efficiently.

Who in my organisation should receive IR35 training?

Anyone involved in hiring, managing, or working with contingent workers – that includes HR, procurement, legal, and hiring managers. We recommend tailored IR35 staff training for each group of stakeholders to ensure compliance at every stage of your IR35 internal processes.  

What topics are covered in IR35 staff training?

Training typically includes employment status principles, how to use the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool, preparing Status Determination Statements, dispute resolution procedures, and record-keeping requirements. 

How is the IR35 training delivered?

We can cater for 1-2-1 training, as well as larger groups, and we’ll always personalise it around your different stakeholders. It may be beneficial for example to give HR and senior management teams 1-2-1 training in person, or through video technology. Whereas hiring and project managers could join group sessions to understand their role in getting IR35 right, supported by online training resources. We’ll work with you to identify the most effective training programme. 

Why is IR35 training important for my business?

Formal training helps your business manage the risk of non-compliance, avoid costly penalties, and demonstrate reasonable care and due diligence to HMRC. It ensures your team can confidently handle IR35 assessments and maintain robust compliance processes. 

How often should IR35 training be refreshed?

Annual training is recommended to keep your team up to date with the latest legislation and HMRC requirements, which our team can help you with to ensure the latest best practice is shared. 

Can IR35 training be tailored to my organisation’s needs?

Yes. At Linx, we provide bespoke IR35 staff training packages customised to your organisation’s size, structure, sector, and specific challenges. This includes tailored online workshops, Q&A sessions, and practical tools such as training guides and resources. 

How much does IR35 training typically cost?

The price we’ll quote you will depend on your training requirements and how they’ll be delivered, which we can talk through with you during a free consultation. For example, if you want to organise face-to-face training in multiple locations, then you’ll need a larger training budget than if you delivered virtual training in a single session. We’ll also discuss which teams would benefit from 1-2-1 training, and how tools such as our IR35 app can provide ongoing support through bitesize training resources. There is no obligation when you ask us to quote for your IR35 training needs, and the team is always happy to chat. 

How do I get started with IR35 staff training from Linx?

Simply contact our team to discuss your requirements. We’ll work with you to design and deliver a training solution that fits your business and ensures your staff are fully equipped to manage IR35 compliance. 

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