Outplacement may be funded by the organisation or by the individual. Many corporate outplacement providers subscribe to a code of ethics which prohibits them from working in the retail sector. The retail sector also has its own code.

Outplacement coaching is often the best way to help people deal with the changes they need to make in their lives.

Once you have a clear idea of what your needs will be you should seek to tender the work. This could be informally, through talking to one or two companies already known to you, or through a more formal tender document which you can prepare. Again, many outplacement companies will assist in providing advice on this aspect of the work.

When considering tender applications it is important to look not only at the price but also at what range of help is being offered and whether it meets the needs of the workforce. Sometimes you will need to feel that national coverage is available; at other times you may want to ensure a very personal, local service. Some companies can offer both.

A good tender document prepared by you should include: details of time limits for the tender and your means of assessing bids; contract terms and conditions; confidentiality clauses; pricing requirements; outline details of business and HRM needs; specification of needs.