Case study: Delivering a first‑generation MSP for a regulated financial markets organisation

Hays partnered with a highly regulated UK‑based financial markets organisation to implement its first Managed Service Programme, introducing greater governance, visibility and control across its contingent workforce.
 

Overview 

This UK‑based organisation operates within global financial markets, where robust governance, risk management and access to specialist contingent talent are essential. As the organisation continued to scale, it identified the need for a more structured and controlled approach to contingent workforce management.

To support this transition, the organisation partnered with Hays to design and implement its first Managed Service Programme (MSP), introducing a consistent, digitally enabled model aligned to regulatory and operational requirements.

Challenge 

The organisation faced several interconnected workforce challenges that limited control, increased risk, and hindered its ability to scale its contingent workforce effectively within a highly regulated environment.

Key considerations included:

• Fragmented contingent recruitment:
  Multiple suppliers and inconsistent processes created operational complexity, limited oversight and increased compliance and regulatory risk
   
• Lack of visibility and control:
  Decentralised hiring made it difficult to consolidate spend, enforce governance standards and deliver a consistent experience for hiring managers
   
• First‑generation MSP adoption:
  As a first‑time MSP implementation, the organisation required rapid deployment, strong change management and clear guidance to support hiring managers through the transition without disrupting access to high‑quality talent

Solution

Hays designed and delivered a Master Vendor MSP tailored to the organisation’s regulatory, governance and operational requirements. Standardised PSL contracts, streamlined workflows and centralised billing improved consistency and control, while assured vetting and onboarding processes aligned with stringent industry regulations.

Hays’ 3SS Vendor Management System was deployed to provide full visibility of contingent workforce activity, vacancies and spend from day one. To support adoption and ensure a smooth transition, Hays:

• Onboarded 17 of 19 agencies, covering approximately 90% of the contingent workforce
• Trained 70+ client users on the 3SS platform
• Embedded two onsite team members to provide hands‑on operational and change support

This approach ensured rapid implementation while positioning the MSP as a trusted extension of the organisation’s internal talent acquisition capability.

Outcome 

The MSP delivered immediate impact following implementation. A total of 122 contingent workers were successfully migrated onto the platform, with 91% of roles filled through direct sourcing since go‑live.
 

The programme achieved:

• Full workforce visibility and governance from day one

• Standardised hiring processes across all functions

• Significant cost savings within the first five months

• Faster, clearer recruitment journeys for both hiring managers and candidates

Through personalised support and strong stakeholder engagement, the MSP now operates as a seamless extension of the organisation’s talent acquisition team, supporting a resilient, compliant and future‑ready contingent workforce strategy.
 

Looking to introduce greater control and visibility across your contingent workforce?

Speak to our workforce solutions specialists to implement a compliant, scalable MSP aligned to your regulatory and operational priorities.
 

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