Craig Thompson

I had a chat with a QA leader last week, who made a great point around job specs for companies looking to bring in their first QA hire. More often than not, they’ll have the tooling already decided and included in the spec + a list of requirements/techniques that have been predetermined for them - which seems a slightly backwards way of hiring when you're looking to bring in a new skill/perspective to the business. They went on to mention one of the best interviews they had was with a CTO who instead of a spec, gave a list of their problems/challenges and asked what techniques and tools they'd use to help fix them. It gave the candidate confidence they'd have full autonomy in the role and gave the manager a new way of looking at QA. It's a simple idea, but seems pretty effective for CTOs/Dev Managers out there, looking to get the best out of a QA interview/hiring process.

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Sharing the latest in-house IR35 feature update from YunoJuno. A huge leap forward in removing the compliance burdens associated with hiring contractors. 👏 Clients will no longer have to resort to external tools such as HMRC’s CEST tool when making a determination, with an instant SDS generation completed automatically within the platform. More below on how to explore this IR35 feature. 👇

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Another big tech company shooting themselves in the foot by making blanket policies. 🤯🔫 The same big companies have rules against outside IR35 hiring of contractors. - We won’t tax our flexible workforce properly - We won’t give you properly secure permie jobs either - We won’t offer WFH incentives So what, exactly, big tech… are you… offering? 🤔 anyone with an ounce of talent is going to have plenty of options, permanent or contract, despite the job market being somewhat volatile. A blanket policy is a blunt force tool and uses the same mantra as punishment drills in sport: to catch the odd one or two bad actors, the whole team has to do something gruelling. And this is the best that the ‘leaders’ of these massive corps can come up with? Good news is, if you’re a smaller, more agile and more sensible business who likes working with likeminded talented people.. you’ll no doubt have the right policies in place, will let people WFH, engage with contractors properly, and you’re gonna be just fine 👍

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I found this to be a very interesting read following the changes to Employer' NI in the Autumn Budget, and what it could mean for all you contractors out there! Will it nudge more clients to focus on the benefits of Outside IR35 contract roles, moving away from a blanket inside IR35 approach and running a more thorough determination process into 2025? #IR35 #EmployersNI #AutumnBudget #ContractRoles #Contracting

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𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀🌟 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 Advice from Qdos Contractor to help hiring managers build an internal business case for engaging outside IR35 contractors. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eyTKWSGX 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 How the percentage of women in SAP has progressed over time, the impact of AI, practical interventions to get more applications from women, and key insights from UKISUG. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/e9qmfEx4 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 UK & Ireland contractor survey results on how much contractors are paid, what drives them to accept or reject a role, and what makes them stick around for the duration of a project. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/exNMN6GV 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 Eighteen pages filled with useful, objective data on how to attract and retain great SAP contractors. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eDgvT74Y 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 Practical advice from Gaurish Dessai, Enterprise Solutions Architect, on how to navigate the complex world of SAP licensing. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/ek4fCuZF -- 𝗦/𝟰𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 -- The 5 biggest challenges of an S/4HANA implementation (and how to overcome them) with Paul Kelly, Chief Technical Architect Get it here: https://lnkd.in/ehuuSnkt The five key components of a successful S/4HANA implementation in retail with Paul Drage, SAP Retail Programme Manager Get it here: https://lnkd.in/ehuuSnkt

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𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲  Advice from Qdos Contractor to help hiring managers build an internal business case for engaging outside IR35 contractors. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/edZpjYwp 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁  How the percentage of women in SAP has progressed over time, the impact of AI, practical interventions to get more applications from women, and key insights from UKISUG. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/evDsfpjY 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁  UK & Ireland contractor survey results on how much contractors are paid, what drives them to accept or reject a role, and what makes them stick around for the duration of a project. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/ehpkmb5N 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸  Eighteen pages filled with useful, objective data on how to attract and retain great SAP contractors. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/epAmWJQH 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲  Practical advice from Gaurish Dessai, Enterprise Solutions Architect, on how to navigate the complex world of SAP licensing. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eM79RBPm -- 𝗦/𝟰𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 -- The 5 biggest challenges of an S/4HANA implementation (and how to overcome them) with Paul Kelly, Chief Technical Architect Get it here: https://lnkd.in/exnjug8N The five key components of a successful S/4HANA implementation in retail with Paul Drage, SAP Retail Programme Manager Get it here: https://lnkd.in/exnjug8N

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Not read the latest edition of the BA Digest magazine yet? Then check out this link including an espresso-sized summary of three of the articles in the magazine. https://lnkd.in/eZU97VgE #BusinessAnalysis #BACommunity #BADigest

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MHR's recent SCRUM training has proven the undeniable value of targeted training programs aligned with both team needs and business objectives. This initiative not only enhanced their team's skills and knowledge in crucial areas but also reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing learning and improvement, key elements of MHR's company culture. 👉 If you're invested in development opportunities that drive both individual growth and organizational success for your team check out Readynez's multimodal custom training options: https://lnkd.in/dPf9CDY #SCRUMTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #ContinuousLearning #TeamSuccess #Readynez

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Why hire software development contractors I hear you ask? Where do I find the right contractor? Look no further, we've got you! Check out the below video to find the answers and the areas we cover... #contractor #contracting #software #developer #development #IR35 #hiring

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Reviewing CVs 📃 Submitted a candidate recently for a hard to fill permanent software developer role. Client: We don’t want to set up an interview, he used to be a contractor. The contracts in question were a number of years ago, and the candidate had been in one permanent role for over 10 years since then. This was pointed out, as well as the obvious shortage of suitably qualified people for the role, and particularly of people who are interested in it. Reviewing CVs with a positive mindset benefits everyone! 🚀

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𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲  Advice from Qdos Contractor to help hiring managers build an internal business case for engaging outside IR35 contractors. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/ewBEJwTu 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁  How the percentage of women in SAP has progressed over time, the impact of AI, practical interventions to get more applications from women, and key insights from UKISUG. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/e9eSsz8g 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁  UK & Ireland contractor survey results on how much contractors are paid, what drives them to accept or reject a role, and what makes them stick around for the duration of a project. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eGzeTreJ 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸  Eighteen pages filled with useful, objective data on how to attract and retain great SAP contractors. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/ecN_M3TS 𝗦𝗔𝗣 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲  Practical advice from Gaurish Dessai, Enterprise Solutions Architect, on how to navigate the complex world of SAP licensing. Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eGBXwXDM -- 𝗦/𝟰𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 -- The 5 biggest challenges of an S/4HANA implementation (and how to overcome them) with Paul Kelly, Chief Technical Architect Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eyPpmxkY The five key components of a successful S/4HANA implementation in retail with Paul Drage, SAP Retail Programme Manager Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eyPpmxkY

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𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵-𝗕𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱: 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 🔍 IR35 can be a tricky area to navigate, with many myths and misconceptions floating around. Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings to help you manage your IT contracts effectively and stay compliant: 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵 𝟭: 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 Reality: While IR35 directly impacts contractors, clients are also responsible for correctly determining the contractor’s status. Misclassification can lead to financial penalties for your business. 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵 𝟮: 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Reality: The CEST tool is a helpful guide, but its results aren’t legally binding. It's essential to seek additional professional advice to ensure accurate assessments. We can help you with this. 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵 𝟯: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀 Reality: Even if a contractor falls inside IR35, they are not employees. They don’t receive the same benefits and protections as full-time employees but are subject to similar tax treatments. 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵 𝟰: 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 Reality: The private sector reform in April 2021 introduced an exemption for small businesses, but medium and large businesses still need to comply. Understanding your business’s classification is crucial. 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵 𝟱: 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝘅𝗲𝗱 Reality: A contractor’s IR35 status can change based on the specifics of each contract and working arrangement. Regular reviews and assessments are necessary to stay compliant. 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵 𝟲: 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝗥𝟯𝟱 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Reality: HMRC can investigate both the contractor and the client. Ensuring compliance from the start protects both parties from potential scrutiny and penalties. Understanding these myths and the realities of IR35 helps in creating a compliant and fair working environment for all parties involved. If you need any guidance or have questions about IR35, feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through the complexities. #IR35 #Compliance #ITContracts #ITRecruitment

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Saw a job post shared via one of the agile group chats yesterday and the contract day rate advertised by the agency was £250 per day inside IR35 🤯 It got us talking about what’s going on in what is undoubtedly still a tough market where opportunities are few and far between 😕 But where are these ridiculous expectations and day rates coming from❓ Is it a lack of market knowledge? 📚 Is it businesses trying to take advantage of those out of work? 🤔 I personally feel it’s a mix of both and there’s definitely something to be said about Recruiters not having the guts and professionalism to push back/reject these roles 🙅🏽‍♂️ But it would be good to hear from my network: What do you think the main cause of these terrible day rates or unicorn expectations are…and how could we fix it? 🧐 P.s Below is what you look like when you offer these sort of rates and expect a decent level of talent 👇🏾 #Agile #Recruitment #Consultant #Hiring #Contract #DayRate

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Labour's manifesto pledges to "not increase taxes on working people" As a contractor working inside IR35 I get a monthly payslip from my umbrella company, they pay take my income tax and pay it, they take my Employees NI and pay it, they take the employers NI and pay it, they take the Apprenticeship levy and pay it, they also take a fee for doing this. I go to work every day and have done for a good long time enough years that I will be eligible to have a full pension when I retire. I have also been prudent and saved money as well as putting some away into a pension fund. Does that make me a "Working person" then why will I be taxed more due to the increase in Employers NI that is allegedly coming in the budget ? Has labour lied in their manifesto pledge or if you work as a contractor inside IR35 are you not considered to be a "Working person"....

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Recently placed a fantastic Agile Coach into a Lead Agile role… During the brief I was pretty bluntly told “we do not need an agile coach” 🙅🏽‍♂️ Long story short, I split my shortlist into two…What they were asking for vs what I knew they really needed 🤖👨 As expected they ended up progressing the candidates and ultimately offering the candidate from the ‘what they need’ half of the shortlist 👌🏾 As it’s picking up and there are more roles flying around, so it’s going to be so crucial to use recruitment partners who actually understand this space and take the time to understand the business and their problem statement, rather than taking a list of requirements and wasting time and effort 🗑️ Let’s all do our bit in showing the world that Agile has, can and always will work 💪🏾 Because delivering value quicker should always be a top priority no matter the business 🤝🏾 Have a great day people ✌🏾❤️ #Agile #Recruitment #Placement #Offer #AgileLead

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Diary of a Testing Recruiter: Error Messages This will be a quick one as it is something I've seen more often again. We go through these phases in software where we forget that error messaging should be something that we test. I know, we shouldn't go hard on it as sometimes there are a range of problems something could be. But I will say this, there should be better default messaging. 'XY3423424 parsing error' does not hot help an end user. Even the classic 'Something went wrong, try again' is nominally better. While devs are the ones that code that stuff, it is our job to at least point it out. User experience matters and 'try again later' is still better than 'Gobbledygook message in what might as well be a foreign language'. That is all. :~) #testing #errorhandling

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Happy Friday People! Last one from me until we all have the best or worst weekends of our lives 😂🏆🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😬 Things are clearly picking up in the agile space but unfortunately, there's still a lot of great people struggling to land opportunities 😣 Sometimes the toughest part is getting in the door and getting in front of someone you can impress in an interview 🚪 I've discussed CV top tips with so many of you before and have posted numerous times about it but recently I decided to try something new! 🎤 Hosted by the wonderful Raghavendra Mithare. PCC (ICF). I have jumped on ny first pod cast to run through what I tend to discuss with candidates on a daily basis! 😁 In the episode we cover: Do's and Dont's ✅❌ Formatting Tips ✍️ Content suggestions 📝 Job Titles 💼 ATS’ 🤖 And more! ✨ It’s a nice relaxed dialogue but our hope is that the content in this video will help you understand how hiring managers/recruiters thing and hopefully convert more applications to interviews! 🎬 Let me know what you think of my first podcast below, would you see value in more of this kind of content moving forward? 🤔 P.s Be kind with feedback this was actually pretty nerve racking 😅😂 Link to the full video is in the comments! #Agile #Recruitment #CV #Tips #Podcast

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Reflecting back on the budget announcement I do believe there is a silver lining for the employment market…. 1.) More employers will consider interim hiring so they can control the costs on a short term basis to compliment their permanent headcount. 2.) Employers will also want to offer outside IR35 worker contracts rather than inside IR35 so they aren’t liable for NI contributions. This will attract more people into contractor work and create more opportunities as people change roles. 3.) An increase in public spending and regulatory controls will mean more investment in Public Sector Procurement and more contract and regulatory roles being created to manage this. 4.) PE/ VC money has not been invested for almost 18 months now and I do believe they will be forced into spending next year which will mean more investment in resource to support transformations and product launches to market. This is also a good sign for senior hiring as they will need people to start and restart functions. The biggest casualty will be “middle manager” level permanent roles. Companies wont want to increase headcount in areas where they aren’t gaining a specialist skill set or senior leadership expertise so maybe cautious in this middle pay range. Happy to discuss any of the above points further with my network as you assess your recruitment needs for 2025. Have a great weekend!

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