What IPSE is doing for you in 2021

In addition to all the regular questions we receive about various aspects of IPSE membership, the membership team is often asked more generally about what we are doing at team IPSE. I thought that I would use my first blog of the year to give you an overview of some of the work that we have ongoing and coming up soon.

After a difficult 2020, there is no doubt that everyone is looking forward to a better 2021 and hoping to get the new year off to a good start. At IPSE, things are no different and we have launched into January with a busy schedule of activities.

Our policy and research work continues

Our policy team has been finalising their recommendations for submission to the government ahead of the Budget on 3^rd March. This includes our suggestions on issues such as the lack of coronavirus support for limited company directors and other groups excluded from the SEISS scheme, and the extension of the scheme past April. We will also make recommendations around late payment, universal credit, skills and training for the self-employed and, of course, the scrapping of or further delay to IR35.

The research team has been busy preparing the latest Freelance Confidence Index for publication at the end of the month. We will be looking at this research for any cautious signs of optimism or positivity as the Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out across the country and coronavirus restrictions, hopefully, start to ease. We will also be publishing our report on mortgages for the self-employed shortly, so keep an eye out for both on our Research Hub in the near future.

IPSE events help the self-employed develop in their careers

Coming up this month, we have ‘How to overcome your imposter syndrome’, The IPSE Pension and ‘The blueprint to winning more work, more often at better rates’. Don’t worry if you’ve missed any of the previous webinars or are unable to attend in future. IPSE members can access the recordings of most of our webinars, usually a week after the event, to watch back in your own time. You can do this by logging into the website and visiting the webinar page where you can also register for future webinars and will find our full schedule of events.

Could you be IPSE’s next director?

Finally, we are building up to our director elections with the voting running between 15^th – 25^th February. This is your chance to get more involved with IPSE and how we are run. With nominations closing on 22^nd January, there is still time to get your name on the ballot paper. If you don’t want to nominate yourself, but know an IPSE member who might be suitable, suggest it to them. You can find out more and apply via the IPSE website.

Whether you put yourself in the running or not, make sure you vote in February. IPSE is stronger as an organisation when our members are engaged, and having your say in the election is a great way to get involved.

As always, if you have any questions about any of the above, any of the work we’re doing, or any aspect of your IPSE membership please don’t hesitate to email the membership team at [email protected] or give us a call on 0208 897 9970.