Tip of the Day - Secondments

Bids are unpredictable and time sensitive projects that require dedicated members of staff.  I have worked in bid teams that have taken people on secondments either a few days a week or full-time for a couple of months.  In my experience, this can actually be more of a hindrance than a help.

The worst option of the two is somebody seconding to a bid team for a few days a week.  The problem with this is that people don’t know whether they are coming or going due to the time demands of bids.  Sometimes you can be full on with a few bids in one go, sometimes there might not be anything on.  Unless the other team they work for can be flexible, then this arrangement is a waste of time.

The other method of having somebody seconded full-time for a few months can work but is has to be done right.  Do not put them in a position where they have to lead projects straight away, this is unfair to them and will likely mean you have to work double to provide them with the necessary support.  Instead give them administration and research jobs to begin with, then get them in to writing gradually.  This will give them an all-round experience of bids, as well as making them as useful as possible to the team.