Question 1

Can we receive pro bono support from Fair Collective?

Accepted Answer

We often receive enquiries for free services, however our pro bono support for small charities is limited and we are only able to provide pro bono support to organisations that are nominated by members of Fair Collective. If you're looking for pro bono support, we have listed below some of the organisations who can offer this.Reach VolunteeringCranfield TrustLaw Works (Legal)ACAS (HR)Doit (Volunteering)Media TrustDigital Candle (Digital Advice)Pimp My Cause (Marketing)Super Mums (Salesforce Support)PBE (Analysis Projects)Good Folk

Question 2

Can the work be done in person?

Accepted Answer

Most of the work our associates do is remote and this does make it easier for us to find you an associate quickly - we have folks who live all over the world including Kenya, France and Canada. In person work is totally possible, especially for things like facilitating away days or strategy sessions, this just means we need to find you someone that can get to your location easily. In-person work is easiest to support when we have plenty of notice. Travel and accommodation costs would need to be discussed and agreed with your chosen associate.

Question 3

How quickly can you find me someone to work with?

Accepted Answer

Generally we have about a 4 week turnaround though this always depends on people’s availability and the kind of work.  The more notice we can have the better. If you need support urgently, do say so when you fill in the contact form.

Question 4

Do you charge VAT?

Accepted Answer

We will be VAT registered from 1st September 2024. However, this will not impact the vast majority of our clients, as clients usually contract and invoice directly with their chosen associate(s) after we have done our matchmaking.  Some of our associates are VAT registered, most are not. When choosing an associate we will always be up front with you about the full cost of the and support you to make the best decision for your organisation.

When we let you know how much they day rate for a piece of work will be, in line with the rates on our services and pricing page, in the majority of cases, this will not be subject to VAT.

If a client contracts directly with Fair Collective, which can sometimes happen where the clients wants to work with a number of Fair Collective associates, then VAT will be payable after 1st September 2024.

Question 5

How much do you charge for your services?

Accepted Answer

Our standard day rate ranges are based on your organisation’s turnover but the exact rate is also influenced by the length and complexity of work, the qualifications or experience needed to fulfil the role, and whether the work is in person or remote. We always work with you to make sure the day rate you pay is within your budget whilst still being a fair fee for our associates.

Org income under £250k: £300-£450
Org income between £250k-£1m: £350-£550
Org income over £1m: £450-£650
Org income over £10m: £750+

Question 6

When the associate starts working with us how much do we need to manage them?

Accepted Answer

Freelancers and consultants tend to work very independently which is one of the advantages of working with them. But, please make sure you're available to onboard them and to respond to their questions so you can get the most out of working with them.

Question 7

Can I work with more than one associate from Fair Collective?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we deliver lots of projects together and we often find many brains are better than one!

Question 8

What do I do if my circumstances change?

Accepted Answer

We totally get it if your circumstances change - that’s life! If the scope of the work or the timelines needs to change, just have an open conversation with the person you’re working with and make sure you update us too. You will have a Service Agreement with your chosen associate and there might be stipulations in there about last minute changes or cancellations - make sure you exchange a Service Agreement and read it carefully.

Question 9

Do you charge an hourly rate?

Accepted Answer

We do sometimes charge an hourly rate for some services such as coaching, but not usually for things like fundraising, marketing, HR support etc. Associates will often offer half days where a full day is not needed. This should be discussed with your chosen associate(s).

Question 10

If we work with a fundraiser through you, can they commit to raising a minimum amount?

Accepted Answer

No. There are many factors that increase or decrease the success of fundraising and many of those are out of our control so associates can not commit to raising a minimum amount. But you can discuss targets and goals with your chosen associate(s).

Question 11

Why do we need to pay for the associate’s preparation and follow up time?

Accepted Answer

Between us, our collective of associates has worked with thousands of clients and we know that preparation, thinking and planning time as well as follow up time is essential for you to get the best results. That’s why you should expect to see preparation and follow up time in most proposals or quotes from our associates.

Question 12

How much free time and advice do I get before I am charged?

Accepted Answer

You’re welcome to have a 30 minute chat with one of our Client Directors if you have a piece of work you would like support with - this helps us to understand what you really need and makes sure we find you the best possible associate(s) to work with.. You can then have a 30 minute chat with the associate(s) you’re thinking of working with. Following this, any free advice or support would be done at the discretion of your chosen associate.

Question 13

We have an issue with an associate, who do we come to?

Accepted Answer

This doesn’t happen often at all - but if it does, one of our Client Directors will support you to resolve the problem. Just let us know as soon as possible if something is going wrong.

Question 14

Who do we pay?

Accepted Answer

You pay your chosen associate(s) directly. You and your chosen associate(s) will determine a payment schedule. Some associates charge 50% in advance and 50% on completion of work, others charge 100% on completion. For longer pieces of work your associate will likely invoice you monthly.

Question 15

Why am I being told we need something different to what we asked for?

Accepted Answer

Between us we have a tonne of experience and we like to be honest so you get the best results. We believe passionately in the for-good sector and know how precious your organisation’s resources are. So if we think you’d be better off taking a different approach we will suggest this. This doesn’t mean you have to take our advice of course, how you proceed is totally up to you.

Question 16

Why am I being asked if I have a budget signed off?

Accepted Answer

To be fair to our associates and our own capacity, we ensure that the budget for any project is approved and agreed upon before it is assigned to them. This prevents situations where associates invest time and effort in scoping out work, only for the project to be cancelled due to an unapproved budget.

We get a lot of enquiries asking for free services. We have a list of pro bono services and support available to small charities that we signpost to for those charities who don’t have budget.

Question 17

Who do we contract with?

Accepted Answer

The associate directly. The associate then has a contract with Fair Collective.

Question 18

Who pays the 10% referral fee?

Accepted Answer

This is paid by the associate, to Fair Collective. There is no cost to you as the client for our services.

Thinking about working with us?