CPD accredited training course - 3.5 points
IR35 Compliance: The Challenge for UK Employers
It has become increasingly challenging for UK employers to accurately assess their IR35 contractors and ensure compliance with the complex Off-Payroll Working Rules (OPWR).
The risk of contractor misclassification is high, and a simple error can lead to significant HMRC fines and unexpected tax liabilities. For organisations that engage a high volume of temporary and limited company contractors (PSCs), establishing a robust, defensible assessment process is no longer optional - it's essential for mitigating financial and legal risk.
Our training course cuts through the confusion, providing you with the practical knowledge to make accurate IR35 status determinations. Learn to implement compliant procedures that reduce the risk of non-compliance with HMRC regulations and secure your position.
09:30 Welcome and introduction
09:35 Aims and objectives
09:40 Back to basics – What is IR35?
- History of IR35
- Off-Payroll working legislation
10:00 IR35 Indicators
- The three main indicators
- ‘Other factors’ & why they are important
10:30 The supply chain
- Minimising risk
- Contracted out services
11:00 Comfort break
11:20 Assessing IR35
- Reasonable care
- Borderline cases
- Dispute resolution process
11:40 IR35 Tools
- HMRC's CEST
- Shortcomings of CEST
- Outsourcing & alternatives
12:10 HMRC penalties & investigations
- What happens if it goes wrong?
- Financial implications
- The ‘offset rule’
12:30 Getting it right from the outset
- Identifying and scoping resource need
- Advertising and negotiating
- Onboarding and implementing
12:50 Final Q&A
13:00 End of workshop
This training course is essential for Hiring Managers, HR, Procurement, Finance, and Legal teams within large and medium-sized UK businesses responsible for making and managing IR35 status determinations and ensuring Off-Payroll Working compliance.
This popular and practical IR35 training course goes beyond compliance checks. You'll leave the session equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to establish a robust IR35 assessment framework.
Upon completion, you will be able to:
Define Clear Working Relationships: Establish and document the precise working arrangement between your organisation and limited company contractors (PSCs), ensuring all parties clearly understand their IR35 obligations and contractual rights.
Demonstrate 'Reasonable Care' to HMRC: Confidently implement a defensible, auditable assessment process that aligns with HMRC's criteria for "reasonable care," significantly reducing the risk of penalties.
Mitigate Financial & Legal Risk: Accurately determine 'Inside IR35' vs. 'Outside IR35' status across your contract workforce, protecting your business from unexpected tax liabilities and legal disputes.
Protect Company Reputation: Maintain compliance with the latest Off-Payroll Working legislation, demonstrating your organisation's commitment to adhering to UK tax laws and fair contractor engagement practices.
Tackle Assessments with Confidence: Gain the practical tools and knowledge required to make informed and confident IR35 status determinations, moving away from blanket decisions or uncertainty.
This course ensures you remain fully informed and compliant with the latest IR35 regulations.
What does BFI specialise in?
BFI provides expert-led training in HR compliance, employment law, immigration for employers, union relations, workplace inclusion, and AI and talent solutions.
Who typically attends your courses?
Attendees include HR managers, legal teams, compliance officers, operations leaders, and public sector employers.
Are your trainers practitioners?
Yes. All trainers are experienced specialists; we feature practitioners from the public and private sectors as well as lawyers, policy advisers, former regulators, and consultants.
How do I book a course?
Choose an event on the website and click Register. You can pay online with a credit card or request an invoice.
Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes. Public and private-sector organisations may use PO numbers. These can be added during the registration process, or can be retrospectively added to am invoice if the place has been booked already.
We need to set you up as a Supplier, can you complete a form or send me over your company information?
Yes, we can do either; please contact us via info@bfi.co.uk
Can I get a PO number added to our invoice?
Yes, please send details through to info@bfi.co.uk or reply to us using your confirmation email
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. Discounts for multiple bookings are automatically applied at checkout. For groups of over ten, it may be more cost-effective to run the course in-house. Call 01983 861133 for details
Can I transfer my place to another date or colleague?
Yes. Substitutions are free, and transfers are typically allowed within a set timeframe.
What is your cancellation policy?
BFI follows standard UK training-industry cancellation terms.
How are online courses delivered?
Training is delivered live via Zoom with interactive Q\&A and case-based discussion.
Will I receive slides and supporting materials?
Yes. Attendees receive slides, templates (where relevant), and many other useful documents and links.
Will I receive a copy of the event recording?
Our monthly subscription and webinar clients receive recordings of the live sessions; otherwise we do not record our courses to encourage confidential discussion and questions under the Chatham House Rule
What time zone are online events delivered in?
All events are delivered in UTC / London time unless otherwise stated
What is included in in-person events?
Full-day training includes refreshments, full documentation which is emailed prior to the event and networking opportunities.
Are your venues accessible?
Yes. All venues are fully accessible.
Is your training CPD certified?
All our courses are either CPD accredited or CPD eligible, so every certificate of attendance can count towards your CPD requirements. Look out for the CPD badge on each course page to see which applies.
Can I ask questions about my organisation’s situation?
Yes. Trainers answer questions during the session and can respond afterward.
Will the training help us prepare for an audit?
Yes, on our audit courses you will learn what triggers visits, what officers look for, and how to evidence compliance.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. All attendees receive a digital certificate of course completion.
Do you offer private or in-house training?
Yes. All courses can be tailored for your team. Visit https://bfi.co.uk/team-training/
Can I ask questions about my organisation's situation?
Yes. Our trainers answer questions live during sessions and can follow up briefly afterwards, but we don't offer ongoing case-by-case advice by email. If you need dedicated support on a specific situation, we offer paid consultancy - contact us to find out more.
Do you offer consultancy?
Yes. BFI offers policy reviews, audit preparation, HR compliance support, and workforce advisory services.