Not-for-Profit: SCSC is shaped by its Not-for-Profit concept
in order to contribute to the overall effort of bringing peace, stability, reconstruction and development to the people
caught in crisis, post-crisis, conflict and post-conflict environments. Our ability
to maintain this approach is enhanced by ensuring that overheads are kept to a bare minimum: "we started small and intend
to remain small". This also means that we provide a highly competitive service
to clients.
Salaries: Consultants are normally paid
on a salary basis while employed by, and under contract with, SCSC. This policy
ensures that consultants receive the best employment care, meaning they are able to focus more on the task at hand, rather
than concerning themselves with personal contractual issues. While we operate on a Not-for-Profit basis, our consultants are
paid at levels reflecting current market rates applicable to the private sector, which can be subject to adjustment to be
representative of ICSC scales if required. Rates are also adjusted according
to the complexity of the environment in which the consultant is expected to operate. The salary approach also entitles the
consultant to paid time off, as part of the contract, and rates are normally reduced to reflect this abnormal approach to
consultancy, ensuring there is no additional cost implication for the client. Perhaps
most importantly, the salary policy, and the associated benefits available to the consultant, ensure that the best people
are recruited at all times and made available to the client. Depending on the client's needs, SCSC can also provide
consultants who are paid a lump sum consultancy fee - the level of which is determined solely by the client. In
such cases, no additional benefits (paid leave etc) are normally made available, unless specifically required by the client.
In essence, SCSC exists to provide what is actually needed for clients.
Contracting: SCSC can provide specialists
to meet the specified needs of the client. Alternatively, SCSC will assist the
client, should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason (such as overcoming security related restrictions applicable to
the client's organization), by placing nominated individual[s] under a SCSC contract.
The individual concerned benefits from full association with SCSC, while remaining affiliated and tasked by the client
throughout the contract period.
If
delivering a turn-key solution for a client, SCSC will calculate all Direct Operational Costs and charge these to the client
accordingly. When operating in this mode, SCSC ensures wherever possible sub-contracting is executed using local (national)
companies, thus ensuring that employment generation and associated income opportunities are created to the benefit of local
beneficiaries, rather than funds being diverted beyond the immediate area of greatest need.
Operations: Operational costs are invoiced to the client at a 'cost only' price. Identification of operational costs will be achieved in the negotiation stage, between
SCSC and the client. Normally, operational costs will include full life support,
per diems for food, flights and travel, insurance etc. All costs are dependent on elements such as the working environment, duration of contract, risk, support
(if any) provided by the client etc, and are subject to negotiation and mutual agreement between SCSC and the client.
Overheads: SCSC is deliberately kept small,
to reduce overhead costs, conform with its Not-for-Profit concept, provide the most competitive service to the client, and
ensure the consultant benefits rather than SCSC itself. However, every organization
(irrespective of size and complexity) attracts overhead costs, which are met by the client.
To achieve this, SCSC raises a small administrative charge on all contracts, the size of which may vary according to
the status of the contract. Any contract entered into with a client will, therefore,
contain the following elements: Consultant's Fee; Operational Costs; Administrative Charge.
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