Sometimes the right solution for clients means thinking outside the traditional recruitment boundaries and educating the client on the benefits that are available to them if they are prepared to just think differently.

There is no doubt that while temporary labour, supplied on an ad-hoc basis as a reactive service, can provide an effective solution, it can also represent low value for the client. At worst, temporary labour serviced on this basis creates a high turnover of temporary workers, resulting in a loss of knowledge and productivity. Short-term bookings provide less opportunity for temporary workers, which can result in a loss in motivation and commitment. This low-value service is often delivered by multiple suppliers where there is less opportunity for investment in clients' needs.

An alternative to this approach is the site-managed service option, which involves the recruitment agency co-ordinating and managing recruitment and staffing services from the client's own premises. This can be particularly effective where the site demand levels and volumes are high and are prone to fluctuation.

During the sales process for an onsite solution, it is vital to stress that the clients will benefit from this approach many times over. There will also be a deeper understanding of, and closer integration into, the clients' business and culture, which can enhance the management and co-ordination of the entire recruitment and staffing process. There is also a closer involvement with client operational staff to deliver better communications and responsiveness to needs, often tailoring operational and financial management information.

What appeals to many customers is that each service offering is bespoke per contract or site and can range from a simple temporary management service through to a fully outsourced human resources solution. The recruitment agency will also directly employ the workforce, thus mitigating the client's liability.

Once you have convinced the client that it is the right thing to do, the hard work begins. Start-up inevitably requires some stringent planning to maximise the benefits of the solution. This is where the quality and experience of the support and implementation team comes to the fore.

In broad terms the delivery of an onsite managed service is achieved using the following process:

• analysis

• agree financials and forecast cost savings

• due diligence

• benchmark current service levels

• agree SLAs (service level agreements)/KPIs (key performance indicators)

• integrate dedicated account team

• implementation including potential transition of workers (TUPE)

• start work.

While the core function of any onsite workforce management service is to provide clients with the most suitable staff within the required timescales, it is also possible (and desirable) to offer a wide range of value added services including:

• company inductions

• developmental training eg NVQ Level 2, food hygiene training

• manpower planning

• welfare programmes

• staff incentives

• cost saving initiatives

• employment legislation advice.

For example, we take an active role in predicting changes in temporary labour volume, including training cover, holiday cover, average sickness and known peaks of business. We work with our customers to modify and improve this best practice model to suit our customer needs.

The solution has other benefits too:

• a deeper understanding of, and closer integration into, the clients' business and culture

• enhanced management and co-ordination of the entire recruitment and staffing process

• closer involvement with client operational staff to deliver better communications and responsiveness to needs

• tailored and bespoke operational and financial management information

• closer and more frequent contact with temporary workforce, allowing swift resolution of minor issues, often resulting in a reduction in staff turnover

• lower sickness levels.

If done well there is no doubt that a site-managed service can benefit all parties and allows recruitment agencies to truly work in partnership with their clients, as well as becoming an integral part of the client's long term plans and aims.