free subcontractor agreement template word uk

Independent Subcontractor Services Agreement

Instructions for Use

• Fill in all bracketed information throughout the document, ensuring all legal entity names match official registration records.
• Review the scope of services in Clause 1 carefully to ensure it is specific enough to prevent "scope creep" while remaining flexible for project needs.
• Once completed, both parties should sign two identical copies—one to be held by the Principal and one by the Subcontractor—and retain them for your records.

1. Parties and Definitions

This Agreement is made on [Date] between:

The Principal: [Full Legal Name of Principal], a company registered in [Jurisdiction] with company number [Company Number], whose registered office is at [Principal Registered Address] ("Principal").

The Subcontractor: [Full Legal Name of Subcontractor], a company registered in [Jurisdiction] with company number [Company Number] (or "an individual operating as a sole trader"), whose address is at [Subcontractor Address] ("Subcontractor").

2. Services

The Subcontractor agrees to provide the following services: [Describe services in detail] ("Services"). The Subcontractor shall perform the Services with reasonable skill and care in accordance with industry standards.

3. Term

This Agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and shall continue until [End Date] or until completion of the Services, unless terminated earlier in accordance with Clause 7.

4. Fees and Payment

The Principal shall pay the Subcontractor a fee of [Amount in GBP] plus applicable VAT. The Subcontractor shall submit an invoice on a [Monthly/Milestone] basis. Payment shall be made within [Number] days of receipt of a valid invoice.

5. Status of Subcontractor

The Subcontractor is an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement shall render the Subcontractor an employee, worker, agent, or partner of the Principal. The Subcontractor is responsible for all income tax, National Insurance contributions, and other liabilities arising from the performance of the Services.

6. Confidentiality and IP

The Subcontractor shall keep all information regarding the Principal’s business confidential. All intellectual property rights created by the Subcontractor in the course of providing the Services shall vest in the Principal upon payment of the relevant fees.

7. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving [Number] days' written notice to the other party. The Principal may terminate this Agreement immediately if the Subcontractor commits a material breach of its obligations.

8. Liability and Insurance

The Subcontractor shall maintain adequate insurance cover, including [Professional Indemnity/Public Liability] insurance, throughout the term of this Agreement. The Subcontractor’s total liability under this Agreement shall be limited to [Amount/Insurance Limit].

9. Governing Law

This Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of [England and Wales/Scotland/Northern Ireland].

Signature & Acknowledgment

For and on behalf of the Principal: Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Name] Title: [Title] Date: [Date]

For and on behalf of the Subcontractor: Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Name] Title: [Title] Date: [Date]

Legal Disclaimer: This document is a general framework intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure this agreement complies with current legislation and addresses the specific requirements of your business and jurisdiction.