Contingent workforce transformation for an energy client 

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Driving compliance, cost efficiency, and visibility during organisational transition

When a leading UK energy system operator separated from its former parent company, it faced the monumental task of establishing operational independence. This transition required a complete overhaul of policies, processes, and systems—all while maintaining business continuity. With over £60 million in contingent workforce spend under management, the organisation needed a trusted partner to deliver rapid support, ensure compliance, and optimise costs during this critical transformation.

New policies and compliance frameworks had to be implemented quickly, while procurement resources were urgently required to manage contract updates. At the same time, the pressure to deploy new systems without disrupting operations was intense. The client’s ultimate goal was clear: achieve full operational independence, maintain compliance, and optimise contingent workforce delivery—all supported by robust reporting and visibility.

 

Building a future-ready workforce strategy

Pontoon responded with a comprehensive, phased MSP implementation strategy designed to stabilise operations whilst delivering measurable improvements. We prioritised procurement-focused recruitment to enable contract and policy updates during the separation phase. Advanced reporting capabilities were introduced through Power BI dashboards, providing real-time visibility into agency spend and compliance metrics. The VMS was optimised to ensure 100% compliance and streamlined processes.

Innovation played a central role, with the implementation of a digital referencing tool that accelerated onboarding and improved candidate experience. Our Direct Sourcing delivery model further enhanced hiring speed and reduced premium supplier costs, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing operational support.

Turning strategy into proven results

Since go-live, the programme has delivered £4.78 million in cost savings, achieved through optimised rate cards, tenure management, and supplier sourcing. Onboarding times improved significantly, with referencing turnaround reduced by 50% and average onboarding time cut by 1 day. Compliance was strengthened, with 100% adherence to VMS-driven processes and new organisational policies. Reporting cycles were transformed, with real-time dashboards replacing manual monthly reports. Stakeholder satisfaction remained consistently high, with an NPS score of 80+ and strong hiring manager feedback.

By combining advanced technology, innovative practices, and deep MSP expertise, Pontoon enabled the client to navigate a complex organisational transition while achieving cost efficiency, compliance, and visibility. This partnership sets the foundation for strategic workforce planning and continued optimisation in the evolving energy sector.