Recently, Huntswood has seen an increase in the number of client requests for engagements to be delivered remotely. We are committed to ensuring that we are able to provide our clients with the standard of service they expect whilst at the same time ensuring that our associates have everything they need to safely and effectively work from home.
To that end, you will have been sent a copy of our Remote Working Policy, a copy of which can be accessed here. As with any Huntswood or client policy, you are required to comply with this policy which is subject to change as required.
This module relates to the IT equipment which you will be using in the provision of the services, whether provided by Huntswood or the client or where you will be using your own IT equipment.
IT EQUIPMENT
IT Equipment and portable computing devices include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Laptop computers
- Desktop computers
- Tablet PCs
- PDAs
- Palm Pilots
- Mobile Phones, including Smart Phones
- Wireless Technology
- Screens
- Ancillary equipment (e.g. mouse, cables, etc)
Huntswood has three different approaches to delivering services remotely:
- Client Equipment: The IT Equipment belongs to the client and remains the property of the client whilst in your possession
- Huntswood Equipment: The IT Equipment belongs to Huntswood and remains the property of Huntswood whilst in your possession
- Bring Your Own Device: The IT Equipment belongs to you and you will be provided access to the necessary systems to provide the services.
You will be advised which of the above models will apply to you.
COLLECTION
If you are being provided Huntswood Equipment or Client Equipment, you will be advised of the arrangements for collecting the equipment. This could include:
- Attending a Huntswood office
- Attending a client office
- Delivery to your home
You are required to work with Huntswood to arrange a suitable time to collect your equipment.
When you collect the equipment, you may be asked to spend time with the relevant IT Department to ensure the equipment is properly set-up.
Following the collection of the equipment, you are required to test the equipment from your remote working location to ensure that the systems are working properly.
CARE OF EQUIPMENT
You are responsible for taking proper care of any IT Equipment provided to you and agree to seek IT support, as needed (see Technical Support below). This includes ensuring that the IT Equipment is securely stored when not in use. Further information on the requirements around caring for the IT Equipment can be found in the Remote Working Policy.
Huntswood and/or the client may seek to recover any losses for the malicious damage or destruction of the IT Equipment from you.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
It is your responsibility to seek IT support as needed. You will be advised at the start of your assignment where and how to obtain IT support. The type of support available to you will depend on whether you have been provided with Client Equipment, Huntswood Equipment or a using your own equipment.
As a reminder, if you are unable to provide the services because of ongoing IT issues, the contract for the provision of your services may be terminated with immediate effect. For more information on contract termination, please click here.
For security reasons, when seeking technical support, you may be asked a series of questions to validate your identity. In addition, you may be sent a validation code to the personal mobile device you identified to Huntswood during registration.
Client Equipment
If you have been provided with Client Equipment, the client’s IT department will provide any necessary IT support. You will be advised on the appropriate method for engaging with the client’s IT department at the start of your assignment.
You must report any IT issues or requests in line with the client’s procedure.
You must be available to work with the client’s IT department as and when required to rectify any IT issues you may encounter. This may include the use of your personal mobile device or other communication method.
Huntswood Equipment
If you have been provided with Huntswood Equipment, Huntswood’s IT department will provide any necessary IT support. You will be advised on the appropriate method for engaging with Huntswood’s IT department at the start of your assignment.
You must report any IT issues or requests in line with Huntswood’s procedure.
You must be available to work with Huntswood’s IT department as and when required to rectify any IT issues you may encounter. This may include the use of your personal mobile device or other communication method.
Bring Your Own Device
If you are using your own IT equipment, you are responsible for rectifying any IT issues relating to your hardware or internet connectivity.
If the issues relate to the internet availability at your designated remote working location, and you have a suitable alternative remote working environment available, please speak with your Team Leader to confirm the change.
If the issues relate to your access to Huntswood and/or the client’s system, please seek IT support using the appropriate procedure, which will be advised to you at the start of the assignment.
Please refer any IT issues that you may be encountering to your Team Leader in the first instance.
RETURN OF IT EQUIPMENT
If you have been provided Client Equipment or Huntswood Equipment, you are obligated to facilitate return the IT Equipment, on demand by Huntswood and/or the client and, in any event, not later than 5 days following the earlier of:
- The end date of your assignment; or
- The date on which the contract for the provision of services is terminated for whatever reason; or
- The date on which you receive a request from Huntswood and/or the client to return the equipment.
You will be advised of the process for arranging the safe return of the IT Equipment at or prior to the end of the engagement. This may include:
- Returning the equipment to a Huntswood office
- Returning the equipment to a client office
- Arranging for the collection of the equipment by a third-party courier
You are responsible for ensuring the safe return of the IT Equipment. You will be liable for any losses incurred by Huntswood and/or the client for failing to return the IT Equipment as requested and when required, including but not limited to, the value of the IT Equipment and/or the cost of any shipment of the IT Equipment.