The Types of Assignments You Might Secure as a Freelancer
Freelancing in health and safety offers a diverse and rewarding career path, providing opportunities across a wide range of industries and environments. Whether you're an experienced contractor or transitioning from a permanent role, understanding the different types of assignments available is key to positioning yourself effectively in the market.
Each type of assignment requires a unique approach, from how you structure your CV to how you present your skills and expertise. Below, we explore the main types of contract roles available and share top tips on how to align your profile with these opportunities.
Short-Term Assignments
Short-term contracts typically last from a few weeks to a few months and are ideal for organisations experiencing peak workloads or requiring temporary cover. These assignments may arise due to staff absences (such as maternity leave or sick leave), an urgent business need, or seasonal demand increases.
For freelancers, short-term roles offer flexibility and exposure to different sectors, helping to build a strong professional network and expand industry experience quickly. Contractors who are adaptable and can quickly integrate into new environments are particularly well-suited to these roles.
➡How to Position Yourself:
Highlight previous short-term assignments on your CV under a “Project Portfolio” section to demonstrate agility and adaptability.
Be clear on your availability and willingness to take on short-term roles in your communications with recruiters and clients.
Showcase your ability to hit the ground running by emphasising past instances where you’ve made an immediate impact in a short time frame.
Project-Based Roles
Many freelance assignments are project-based, with a clear scope, objectives, and timeline. These roles often involve specific deliverables, such as implementing ISO 45001 management systems, ensuring CDM compliance, or leading behavioural safety programmes.
In construction, for example, a contractor may be brought in to oversee site safety on a major infrastructure project, while in manufacturing, a specialist may be engaged to develop a new health and safety framework. These assignments allow freelancers to apply their expertise to high-impact initiatives.
➡How to Position Yourself:
Tailor your CV to highlight technical skills and project successes, including quantifiable outcomes.
Use industry-specific keywords such as "CDM compliance specialist," "ISO 45001 implementation," or "behavioural safety consultant."
Be ready to provide case studies or brief summaries of past projects during interviews or proposal submissions.
Specialist Consultancy Work
For highly experienced professionals, consultancy work can be one of the most rewarding areas of freelancing. Organisations seek specialists to provide strategic advice, audits, compliance assessments, and tailored solutions to complex challenges.
For instance, post-Grenfell building safety compliance is a growing area requiring expert guidance, while COSHH management, fire safety, and process safety remain key concerns across multiple industries. Clients often engage consultants on a part-time or ad-hoc basis for expertise they lack in-house.
➡How to Position Yourself:
Maintain a dedicated CV for consultancy work that highlights strategic projects and expert advisory roles.
Clearly define your niche expertise—whether it's fire risk assessments, hazardous substances management, or organisational culture change.
Build credibility through thought leadership (writing articles, speaking at industry events, or participating in specialist forums).
Long-Term Engagements
Despite the perception that freelancing is primarily short-term, long-term contract roles are a significant part of the market. These assignments, lasting six months or more, often involve acting as an interim health and safety manager or providing ongoing compliance oversight for major projects.
Long-term engagements allow contractors to develop deeper relationships with organisations while still enjoying the flexibility of freelancing. Such roles are common in industries undergoing transformation, such as large-scale construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
➡How to Position Yourself:
Structure your CV to distinguish between interim roles, project-based work, and consultancy assignments.
Emphasise experience in managing long-term change, embedding safety cultures, or overseeing compliance on extended projects.
Show consistency in project delivery by detailing repeat contracts or extensions with past clients.
Diverse Opportunities across Industries
Freelancers in health and safety work across a wide spectrum of industries, and each sector presents unique challenges, and staying informed about market trends, such as the demand for client-side construction specialists or fire safety professionals—can help contractors align themselves with emerging opportunities.
How Irwin and Colton can help...
We specialise in connecting experienced freelancers with assignments that match their expertise. Whether you’re looking for short-term projects, specialist consultancy roles, or long-term engagements, we can help you find the right opportunities to progress your career.
Top Tips to Position Yourself for Contract Roles
✔Tailor Your CV for Different Roles: Keep multiple versions of your CV suited for different projects, industries, or specialisms while maintaining a general CV that covers all areas.
✔Use Industry-Specific Keywords: Adjust your CV based on the role profile, incorporating terms like cultural change specialist, site-based advisor, COSHH manager, client-side construction specialist, or fire safety consultant.
✔Structure your CV for Clarity: Organise your experience under clear headings such as ‘Interim Roles,’ ‘Project Portfolio,’ and ‘Senior Leadership Projects’ to make your value proposition immediately clear.
✔Maintain a strong Online presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile and professional network reflect your expertise and recent assignments. Engaging with industry discussions can also help position you as a thought leader.
✔Be Proactive in Market Engagement: Stay updated on industry trends, attend relevant events, and actively communicate with recruiters and hiring managers about your availability and skills.
Get in touch with Tom Hewat (tom.hewat@irwinandcolton.com or 01923 432637) to explore how we can support your freelancing journey.