This checklist, from Incomes Data Services, raises a number of key points you may wish to consider when selecting a relocation management company.

• Which aspects of the relocation processes do you want to keep in-house and which do you want to outsource ?
• Within your policy and planned budget, can the relocation company deliver the level of assistance you require ?
• Do you want a fully comprehensive service catering for all aspects of the move or just an advice and referral service ?
• Do the standard relocation packages suit your needs or do you require a tailored product ?
• If you are relocating a group, can the relocation company offer appropriate experience ?
• Similarly, if you plan to move a large number of individuals in a year, can the company handle this workload ?
• Have you considered using the services of more than one relocation company ? This may prove a useful way of monitoring performance.
• What is the relocation company's recent performance record in terms of average sale times and the percentage of the guaranteed sale price achieved ?
• Do your require assistance in developing your relocation policy ? Can the relocation company provide expertise and advice with this ?
• How well do the relocation company's staff demonstrate an understanding of your business needs and the culture of your organisation ?
• If you are planning a group move, how can the relocation company help to communicate your intentions to the workforce ?
• Are there facilities to produce, for example, information leaflets, posters and videos on your behalf ?
• If you require an on-site information room, can the relocation company organise this ?
• How will the relocation company liaise with your employees ?
• If the service includes a helpline, when is it available and what does it cover ?
• Do home visits form part of the counselling service ?
• If your policy is to offer employees a fully guaranteed sale price scheme, can the relocation company provide the funding for this ?
• If so, what rate of interest will be charged ?
• Alternatively, are you free to obtain funding elsewhere ?

• If the relocation company makes extensive use of third-party suppliers, what are the contractual agreements ?
• How are such suppliers selected and how is their performance monitored ?
• Is the relocation company willing to disclose any fees to, and any related commission payments from third parties ?
• Are the benefits of these discounts and commissions shared with you ?
• If ancillary services such as partner employment advice and education assistance are required, how are these provided ?
• How does the fee structure work ?
• What is included in any quoted fixed fees ?
• What other costs might you incur ?
• What are the billing arrangements ?
• Can a proportion of the fees be linked to the performance of the relocation company (eg in relation to the time taken to dispose of properties and the sale values achieved) ?
• Can the relocation company administer the payment on your behalf, of all relevant expenses and disbursements that your employees incur ?
• Can it advise on relevant tax issues, assist with tax reporting and produce P11Ds ?
• How would the relocation company keep you informed of progress, costs and performance to budget ?
• Can you have direct access to any computer based tracking facilities ?
• Can the relocation company provide or arrange independant financial advice for your employees ?