International Secondments

International Secondments Opportunities, Common Challenges and Recommendations Warren Gurtman Senior Director of International Secondments RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments • • • • • • •

Agenda Introduction Purpose of Secondments Types of Secondments Current developments and initiatives Challenges and recommendations Questions and answer forum

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Introduction • This presentation will provide an update of the key legal issues and business drivers involved when moving personnel across borders within an International Secondment programme. The implementation of the US Inbound Strategic Secondment Pilot programme will be discussed, as will using Secondments to attract and retain key talent. We will focus on the launch of both the ‘RSM International Guidance and Process Document’ for International Secondments and the ‘Global Opportunities at your Doorstep’ brochure. RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Purpose of Secondments • Opportunity to attract and retain • High performing talent • Sharing of key personnel with locations in which there is a significant amount of seasonal work • Strategic Secondments – a longer opportunity designed to enhance an individual’s professional development

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Types of Secondments • Short Term Secondment – Typically for a period of less than twelve months (i.e. busy season, etc.); – Generally a training programme to enhance a specialist’s skills, complete a specific project or as a gesture of goodwill between RSM member firms

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Types of Secondments continued • Long Term Secondment – These Secondments are for a period in excess of 12 months – most commonly 18 months to three years; – Long-term Secondments normally provide the most benefit to all parties, as the increased length of time allows the secondee to become more effective and efficient with their responsibilities;

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Types of Secondments continued • There are typically a number of objectives associated with long-term Secondments. These include: – To enhance awareness of international services and the RSM international organization; – To create an interface for specific clients being serviced between two countries; – To develop cross-referral activities; – To develop and nurture bi-cultural personnel; – To facilitate implementation of RSM policies and standards; – To provide international opportunities to high performing staff; – To provide international opportunities to obtain a competitive edge and; – To increase retention of both entry level and experienced high performing staff.

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Types of Secondments continued • Strategic Secondment – This type of Secondment provides opportunities for individuals to work abroad and share their specialized skills and experience with other RSM firms; – This type of Secondment is viewed by the sending and receiving firms, as well as RSM International, as providing an important benefit to all parties and the international organization. The secondment may be partially funded by RSM as a result, based on prior approval by the Executive Office; – Strategic Secondments can be either long or short term, Inbound or Outbound.

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Current developments and initiatives • Guidance and Process for International Secondments • Global opportunities at your doorstep • RSM McGladrey Inbound Strategic Secondment Program • RSM McGladrey Outbound Strategic Secondment Program (to be developed)

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

Current Developments and Initiatives

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Challenges associated with secondments: • Language • Cost vs Benefit from both the receiving and sending firms standpoint • Timing – Approval Process • Performance Evaluation • Mentoring • Re-entry • Costs RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments Recommendations to facilitate a successful Secondment programme: • Timely identification of needs • Completion of a Secondment request form • Agreement as to the terms of Secondment – Length of Secondment – Costs

• Identification of any potential immigration issues • Approval of the Secondment well in advance of the requested/desired start date by the appropriate Managing partners in both the receiving and sending firms and the RSM Executive Office RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007

International Secondments • Open Discussions • Questions & Answers

RSM International Conference, Singapore 2007