Contractor Hiring at Boots
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Introduction
Since 2015, Boots have partnered with Rethink to manage all non-permanent hiring through our Contractor Managed Service Programme (MSP). This builds on our existing Talent Acquisition Agreement and gives us a smarter, more joined-up way to bring in freelance and contractor talent when and where we need it.
Contractor Hiring at Boots
Together, the programme helps us attract great talent quickly, stay compliant, and keep things simple for everyone involved.
The Programme has made a real difference — helping hiring managers, contractors, and the wider business work more efficiently and transparently.
Here’s what it means for you:
Smoother Processes:
No more juggling multiple suppliers or endless purchase requisitions. Recruitment is faster, simpler, and invoices are paid on time.
Better Visibility:
You can see exactly what you're spending, where, and how contractor rates compare across departments.
Built-in compliance:
All Right to Work, legislative change, and insurance checks are fully audited, giving you peace of mind.
Accurate timesheets:
Every hour and expense is approved before invoicing, ensuring everything runs cleanly.
On-demand support:
Our onsite Rethink team is ready to step in and recruit whenever you need to go to market for external talent.
Contractor Approval Process
Resource requirement establish by line manager.
Status checklist completed by the line manager to approve it is a contract resource - email to human.resources@chelseafc.com. HR Ops will issue a status determination letter to the contractor.
If the role is deemed to be an employee follow the permanent recruitment process.
If the role is deemed to be a contractor complete an ATC form and circulate for approval.
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Provide requirements to CFC Resourcing team
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Resourcing will source candidate for the role within the budget provided
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Line Manager selects candidate & notifies Resourcing team
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Checks are finalised & contract is issued by outsource provider
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Once in pace contractor completes timesheets for manager approval
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Invoice is raised & sent direct to Finance for payment
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How to submit timesheets and notes
Log in details (inc User Guide) for Evertime (Pay & Bill platform) is emailed to workers once compliance is met and contract has been issued.
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*Timesheets that require submission will be listed showing the week ending date. Once you know the timesheet you are going to complete Click New on the relevant one.
In the notes section add project and date of work completed
a) If on a Daily Rate Enter days as unit 1 = Worked, 0 = Not worked, Half Day = 0.5
b) If on an Hourly Rate then state how many hours worked between 0-24
NB: If you are eligible for overtime or on call etc. and this is not shown to claim please contact your Account Manager so that they can update the system for you to complete.
You have now completed your timesheet. It will now be forwarded onto your Line Manager. You will receive an email once it has been approved.
NOTE:PAYE coaches will NOT use Evertime to submit timesheets
Understanding IR35
Why it matters...
IR35, also known as the Off-Payroll Working Rules, is UK legislation designed to ensure that contractors working through their own limited companies are paying the right amount of tax and National Insurance.
For every contractor engagement, Boots is responsible for deciding whether IR35 applies — this is known as making an IR35 determination. If the role falls outside IR35, it means the contractor is genuinely self-employed; if it falls inside, the engagement is treated more like regular employment for tax purposes (PAYE/Umbrella company).
This determination is based on the Employment Status Checklist, completed at Step 1 of the Contractor Approval Process. Getting this right is crucial — an incorrect determination could leave Boots liable for paying the contractor’s
tax and National Insurance contributions.
By following the process carefully, we protect both the Club and our contractors, ensuring fairness, compliance, and confidence in every engagement.
Types of Engagement
Appendix 1
Self Employed
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Deemed to be Self Employed by HMRC
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CFC must show that the role meets the criteria set out under HMRC’s Appendix One guideline
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Job description has to be held on file
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Assessment made as to whether Job description fits criteria as well as the job briefing
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Worker paid in gross
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Worker to have £1m Professional Indemnity cover and £1m of Public Liability Insurance
LP10
Letter
Letter issued by HMRC confirming self employment
10 Days or less over a 12 month period
Criteria set out in the letter
New Letter needed each tax year
Worker paid in gross
PSC to have £1m Professional Indemnity cover and £1m of Public Liability Insurance
Umbrella
& PAYE
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Preferred panel of 6 payroll companies known as Umbrella Companies or via PAYE partner, Giant
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Workers taxed as an employee
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No IR35 Determination Letter issued
Personal Services Company
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Worker is deemed to be providing a service
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Status Determination Checklist deems worker to be inside or outside of IR35 legislation
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PSC to have £1m Professional Indemnity cover and £1m of Public Liability Insurance
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If deemed Outside of IR35 then IR35 Letter Issued to that effect
FAQs
See pay schedules here
Resubmit as per the notes for the rejection. If you cannot, please contact your timesheet approver or the Rethink Account Team at cfcqueries@rethinktalent.io
You can reset your password by clicking on RESET PASSWORD at the login screen, you will need your Username to hand.
If you cannot, please contact your timesheet approver or the Rethink Account Team at cfcqueries@rethinktalent.io
VAT is auto-added after approval if you have supplied your VAT certificate; if it is not added please contact your Rethink Account Team at cfcqueries@rethinktalent.io
Yes, please provide your VAT cert and the Rethink team will get this paid in line with HMRC’s schedule
Contact the Rethink Account Team at cfcqueries@rethinktalent.io
For any other queries, please contact your Rethink Account Team at cfcqueries@rethinktalent.io