What is an Umbrella Company?

An Umbrella Companies essentially employ Agency or Freelance Workers on behalf of Recruitment Agencies or end clients.

The umbrella:

Manages payroll (PAYE)

Processes statutory deductions (Tax, NI, Student Loans)

Provides employment benefits (SSP, Holiday Pay, Pensions)

Issues a Contract of Employment to the Worker

This model simplifies Compliance for Recruitment Agencies and Clients by shifting worker management to a Third-Party Specialist.

CPS Certification for Umbrella Companies

The Advantages of CPS Certification for Umbrella Companies

Certification under the Compliance Passport Standard (CPS) offers Umbrella Companies a wide range of commercial, operational, and reputational benefits.

In an increasingly regulated and reputation-sensitive industry, CPS Certification provides a structured and credible way for Umbrella Companies to demonstrate that they operate:

Ethically

Transparently, and

Legally

And that they are ready to meet the expectations of Agencies, Clients, and Workers alike.

The unique Compliance Passport Standards (CPS Standards)

The Compliance Passport Standard is a fully Integrated Standard that incorporates all crucial aspects of Compliance requirements specifically pertinent to the Umbrella Services industry.

Unlike any other Standard in the marketplace, the CPS Standard fully incorporates four Key ISO Management Standards which are stipulated requirements for Procurement Pre-Qualification Tenders and Contracts with:

Government Departments

Public Sector Agencies

Local Authorities

Supply Chains

The Compliance Passport is not just a stamp - it’s a strategic investment in your business reputation, resilience, and growth.
It’s the Certification that says: “We’re not just compliant. We’re proud of it.”

CPS Compliance Passport Standards for specific industries

The CPS Compliance Passport Standards are available for various industries which need to demonstrate and show evidence of their Compliance Certification to their stakeholders.