Engagement process

The freelance engagement process in the BBC has two stages:

• Negotiation
• Issuing of a contract & Purchase Order number

Negotiation

The initial contact with you will normally come from a representative of the BBC.
They will confirm the key pieces of information for the engagement:

• Activity
• Dates and times
• Fee

In addition they will also ask for, or check, key pieces of information that will help with both the contracting and the payment processes, including:

• Name and address.
• Service company and/or agent details, where appropriate.
• National Insurance number, this is required by HM Revenue and Customs.
• Bank account details. The BBC's method of payment is by BACS (electronic transfer directly into your bank account). Consequently, we need your bank sort code and account name and number.
• VAT number where appropriate.

Issuing of a contract and Purchase Order

• The contractual status of the engagement is checked by the BBC contract advisor.
• If the engagement is confirmed as a Freelance then two copies of the contract will be issued to you, both signed by a representative of the BBC.
• If necessary additional information and forms will be sent covering matters such as:
  • Conflict of interest
  • Health and safety
  • Terms and conditions

You should sign and return to the BBC, as instructed:

• One copy of the contract.
• Any of the additional documentation requested.

In addition to the contract a purchase order will be raised and sent to you, sometimes the Purchase Order is sent at the same time as the contract and at other times it will be issued after a signed contract has been returned to the BBC .

For all invoicing information see Getting paid.