Secondment agreement template

Streamline your secondment processes with this adaptable secondment agreement template, designed to facilitate the temporary transfer of employees within or between organizations.

What is a secondment agreement?

A secondment agreement is a tripartite contract that temporarily transfers an employee (the secondee) from their original employer (the seconder) to work for a new employer (the host). 

This type of arrangement allows for flexibility, skill development, and resource sharing without the need for permanent transfers.

Secondments can be internal, within the same organization, or external, between different entities. They are particularly useful for projects requiring specific expertise, filling temporary vacancies, or for developmental purposes.

Unilateral vs. bilateral secondment agreements

Secondment agreements can be unilateral or bilateral. A unilateral agreement involves the seconder and the secondee, with the host organization accepting the terms set by the original employer. 

In contrast, a bilateral agreement is negotiated between the seconder and the host, with the secondee's consent.

Understanding the nature of the secondment is crucial before finalizing the agreement to ensure all parties' expectations and obligations are clear.

When to Use a secondment agreement?

Secondment agreements are versatile and can be used in various situations, such as:

• Project-based work. When a project requires specialized skills that existing employees possess, a secondment can bring that expertise where it's needed without permanent reassignment.
  
  
• Professional development. Employees seeking new challenges or skill sets can benefit from a secondment, gaining exposure to different roles and organizational cultures.
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• Organizational partnerships. Companies in partnership may second employees to each other to foster closer collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  
  
• Temporary cover. To fill in for maternity leave, sabbaticals, or long-term illness, secondments can provide temporary cover without the need for hiring new permanent staff.
  
  
• Talent retention. Instead of losing valuable employees looking for new experiences, secondments can offer them the change they seek within the safety net of their current employment.

Who creates secondment agreements?

Secondment agreements are typically drafted by HR departments, legal teams, or external counsel. They require input from all parties to ensure the secondee's rights are protected, and the obligations of the seconder and host are clearly defined.

What should a secondment agreement include?

A comprehensive secondment agreement should cover:

• Details of the parties involved. Clearly identify the seconder, the secondee, and the host organization.
  
  
• Duration of the secondment. Specify the start and end dates, and any provisions for extension.
  
  
• Roles and responsibilities. Outline the secondee's duties at the host organization and the level of supervision.
  
  
• Working conditions. Ensure the secondee's terms of employment, such as working hours, location, and remuneration, are consistent with their original contract or appropriately adjusted.
  
  
• Performance management. Define how the secondee will be appraised and by whom.
  
  
• Confidentiality and intellectual property. Address the handling of sensitive information and ownership of any work produced during the secondment.
  
  
• Termination conditions. Set out the circumstances under which the secondment can be prematurely ended.
  
  
• Legal jurisdiction. Determine which laws govern the agreement and how disputes will be resolved.

Managing secondment agreements manually

The traditional process of creating and managing secondment agreements can be cumbersome, involving multiple drafts, negotiations, and approvals.

This can lead to delays and inefficiencies, particularly for organizations with frequent secondments.

Automating secondment agreement templates

Automation can simplify the creation and management of secondment agreements. By using a platform like Juro, organizations can:

• Create templates. Legal teams can set up standardized secondment agreement templates, ensuring consistency and compliance.
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• Self-serve. Allow managers to initiate secondment agreements using predefined templates, reducing the legal team's administrative burden.
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• Approvals. Implement a digital approval workflow to streamline the review and sign-off process.
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• eSignature. Enable electronic signing for faster and more secure agreement execution.
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• Centralized management. Keep all secondment agreements in a single repository for easy access and management.

The benefits of automating your secondment agreement template

Automating secondment agreements can lead to:

• Consistency. Ensuring all agreements adhere to company policy and legal requirements.
  
  
• Efficiency. Reducing the time to draft, negotiate, and sign agreements.
  
  
• Visibility. Providing a clear view of all active secondments and their terms.
  
  
• Compliance. Easier monitoring and enforcement of agreement terms.

FAQs about secondment agreements

Q: What happens if the secondee's role changes during the secondment?

A: Adjustments to the agreement may be necessary, with consent from all parties.

Q: Can a secondee refuse a secondment?

A: Yes, unless their original contract includes a secondment clause.

Q: Who is responsible for the secondee's performance?

A: This should be defined in the agreement, often it's a shared responsibility.

Q: What if the secondee is injured while at the host organization?

A: The agreement should clarify insurance and liability matters.

Q: Can a secondment lead to permanent transfer?

A: It's possible if all parties agree, but this should be a separate process.

Automate secondments with Juro

If you're looking to streamline your secondment process, consider a contract management platform like Juro. It can help you manage secondment agreements more effectively, freeing up time for strategic work.

Interested in learning more? Book a demo to see how Juro can transform your contract workflows.