When hiring an interim provider, it’s important to provide them with a clear and concise brief. A brief outlines the scope of the project, the desired outcomes, and any other important details that the interim provider needs to know. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to effectively brief an interim provider.
Define the Scope of the Project
The first step in briefing an interim provider is to define the scope of the project. This includes outlining the goals and objectives of the project, the timeline, and the budget. It’s important to be as specific as possible to ensure that the interim provider has a clear understanding of what is expected.
Provide Background Information
It’s also important to provide the interim provider with background information about the company and the project. This can include information about the company’s products or services, target audience, and competitors. Providing the interim provider with this information can help them better understand the project and make more informed decisions.
Define the Interim Provider’s Role
In the brief, it’s important to clearly define the interim provider’s role. This includes outlining their responsibilities and the tasks they will be responsible for. It’s also important to outline the level of authority the interim provider will have and who they will be reporting to.
Outline Deliverables and Milestones
To ensure that the project stays on track, it’s important to outline the deliverables and milestones that the interim provider will be responsible for. This includes specifying what needs to be delivered, when it needs to be delivered, and the quality standards that need to be met.
Provide Access to Resources
To help the interim provider complete the project successfully, it’s important to provide them with access to the resources they need. This can include access to company databases, marketing materials, and other relevant resources.
Define the Communication Plan
It’s important to define a communication plan that outlines how the interim provider will communicate with the company and who they will be communicating with. This can include regular status updates, weekly or biweekly meetings, and other communication channels.
Specify Reporting Requirements
To ensure that the company stays informed about the project’s progress, it’s important to specify reporting requirements. This includes outlining what information needs to be included in the reports, when they need to be submitted, and who they need to be submitted to.
Outline Budget and Payment Terms
It’s important to outline the budget and payment terms in the brief. This includes specifying the interim provider’s hourly rate or project fee, the payment schedule, and any other payment terms that need to be agreed upon.
Define the Contract Terms
To ensure that both parties are protected, it’s important to define the contract terms in the brief. This includes outlining the length of the contract, termination clauses, and any other important legal terms.
Provide Background Information
It’s also important to provide the interim provider with background information about the company and the project. This can include information about the company’s products or services, target audience, and competitors. Providing the interim provider with this information can help them better understand the project and make more informed decisions.
Outline Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
To measure the success of the project, it’s important to outline key performance indicators (KPIs) in the brief. This includes specifying what metrics will be used to measure success, how they will be measured, and the targets that need to be achieved.
Specify Any Specific Requirements
If there are any specific requirements that the interim provider needs to be aware of, it’s important to outline them in the brief. This can include any specific tools or software that need to be used, any industry-specific regulations that need to be followed, or any other relevant requirements.
Provide Timelines and Deadlines
To ensure that the project stays on track, it’s important to provide the interim provider with timelines and deadlines. This includes specifying when key milestones need to be achieved and when deliverables need to be completed.
Define the Desired Outcomes
In the brief, it’s important to clearly define the desired outcomes of the project. This includes specifying what the company hopes to achieve by hiring an interim provider and how success will be measured.
Provide Contextual Information
To help the interim provider understand the context of the project, it’s important to provide them with any relevant contextual information. This can include information about the industry, market trends, and any other factors that may impact the project.
Clarify Expectations
It’s important to clarify expectations with the interim provider to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This includes outlining what the company expects from the interim provider, what the interim provider can expect from the company, and any other expectations that need to be clarified.
Allow for Flexibility
While it’s important to provide the interim provider with a clear brief, it’s also important to allow for flexibility. The interim provider may have insights and ideas that can help improve the project, and being open to these ideas can lead to better outcomes.
Provide Feedback
To ensure that the project stays on track and meets the company’s expectations, it’s important to provide regular feedback to the interim provider. This can include feedback on deliverables, progress updates, and any other relevant feedback.
Finalize the Brief
Once the brief has been completed, it’s important to finalize it and ensure that all parties involved have reviewed and agreed to the terms. This includes ensuring that the interim provider understands the scope of the project, their role, and the desired outcomes.
Food for Thought
Providing a clear and concise brief is essential when hiring an interim provider. A well-written brief can help ensure that the project stays on track, that the interim provider understands their role, and that the desired outcomes are achieved.
When writing a brief, it’s important to be as specific as possible and to provide the interim provider with all the information they need to complete the project successfully. By doing so, companies can ensure that they get the most value out of their investment in an interim provider.
