any freelance researchers out there?

[AnneofIngleside]

I am thinking of trying to set up as a freelance researcher. I have 8 years experience of local government research and took voluntary redundancy earlier this year, a few months after returning from maternity leave. I'm putting together my cv ready to send out to various contacts and organisations. I have no childcare so will only be able to do evenings and weekends but am hoping to get some telephone interviewing and possibly small scal survey work. It would be great to hear from anyone else doing freelance research. There are a few things I'm not sure of, such as do I need to register for tax? Or do I just wait til I get my first piece of work? Is there an online community of freelance researchers? What rates should I charge? Not sure how much work I will get in this climate as my main clients would be public sector, but I only want to do a few hours a week.

Not a freelance researcher but a few clients (I do marketing) of mine are.

Try this group, they have a LinkedIn group, but I think you have to be a member. indepconsultants.co.uk/

You need to register as self employed within 3 months of starting paid work, however little the work. Info here - www.hmrc.gov.uk/selfemployed/register-selfemp.htm

Rates depends on what the market rate is - and I guess you know what the PS would normally pay for consultants - and what you need to live on. You need to take into account tax, accounting fees (if you use one), other business development fees.

One thing to consider with the public sector, could you actually "just work for them" or would you need to be go through a tender process & get on an approved supplier list. I am guessing your lack of 'business' history might mean this is a barrier. Plus as you allude to, I am not sure now is the time to promote yourself to this sector...although conversely I guess the research departments might have downsized and thus need consultants!

I wonder if an easier route would be to freelance for other agencies. Your availability is limited, but that might suit a larger agency who needs somebody to moderate groups in the evening etc. Just a thought.