Fractional Support

SME's looking to take their first steps in sustainability face some tough choices.

Internal hires tend to fall into three camps:
- Too junior to have gained real life commercial experience or to know how to deliver change
- Senior enough that they command an unaffordable salary
- Sustainability evangelists who can't align with business or commercial realities

External consultancy support can also be very expensive if you're not receiving more value than it is costing.

Fractional (or part time) support could be a perfect solution though, providing executive level experience, commercial acumen and for the cost of a graduate.

How does fractional support work?

A fractional sustainability leader is typically tasked to engage with or help to drive high value or strategic initiatives. Working flexibly depending on the tasks at hand, and flexing to meet the business needs.

Fractional leaders join without the constraints that can restrict internal hires when delivering change. From day 1, you will have access to senior level of expertise that can be guided or focussed to deliver impact immediately

A new pair of experienced eyes often provides insights or perspectives to issues that existing employees may have become used to. Not being a full-time employee, this also enables a freedom of discussion and the ability to raise or discuss challenges that existing employees may not feel able to talk about.

What this means in practice?

Step 1:

Understanding your needs

We will first spend an hour, ideally in person to talk informally about why you need help, the challenges you're facing or the areas or topics you are looking for support with

Step 2:

We define the scope of support

Depending on the depth or complexity of your needs, we will agree on the best way to work together. This will include how much support you would like (or need) in a month, what the area(s) of focus will be and how we'll best use that time to deliver what needs to be achieved.

Step 3:

We get cracking

We join you for as long as you need to help guide, support and deliver on your needs and requirements.
The fractional support can be flexed up or down over time as your requirements change to ensure you're always in control of your budget.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of fractional support?

1. Strategic guidance: Fractional consultants come with decades of experience that can immediately be applied within the business. This often extends to broader aspects of business management and strategy execution.

2. Cost-effectiveness: The starting point for a junior sustainability manager is somewhere in the region of £40k with experienced leaders demand salaries in excess of £100k. A fractional leader can be accessed for as little as £500 a month

3. Scalability: The commitment (and therefore cost) of a fractional data leader can be increased or decreased as the business requires. Meaning agility to adapt to your needs, less overhead than a permanent member of staff and easier financial management

4. Objectivity: A key value of a fractional leader is a level of detachment from things like politics. They have a mandate to execute and deliver change and offer an unbiased perspective, taking years of experience and applying best practice within the business - even if it isn't a comfortable conversation.

5. Leadership and mentorship: Fractional leaders often tackle projects where internal expertise or experience is lacking. This offers the opportunity to guide and mentor someone internally who can own and manage things in the future.

Is fractional just the same as part time?

Yes and no.
Part time employees tend to be exactly that - an employed resource within a single business and on the payroll.
Being fractional typically means working across a number of clients on a variety of projects for hours/days in a month which in combination is a full time job.

What about pricing and payments?

We support clients with hourly, daily and monthly rates.

The charging model and fee is defined by the needs of the business and is influenced by factors such as the depth of support, the amount of support time needed, whether there are pressing needs and the requirement to meet in person.

We offer a free, 30 minute initial discovery session to support you in your decision making or to answer any questions you may have

When does the engagement end?

Unlike a consultant or contractor, the appointment of a fractional executive is not traditionally bound to a specific period of time or the completion of specific tasks.

The contract between a client and a fractional is typically a minimum term retainer which continues to roll until either party decides to terminate.

What businesses typically use fractional support?

Fractionals are a great option for businesses who know they need to make change but aren't sure where to start or need a senior, experienced voice in the business who can help guide the leadership.

Often, clients are keen to take on project delivery and execution to save on costs but to have an expert eye guiding and on-hand to help steer and avoid any mis-steps