Terms of business
This is a plain-English summary of how we work commercially. It is not the contract: full written terms are issued and agreed before any engagement begins, and those terms take precedence over anything on this page.
Last updated: 18 September 2026
Engagement models
- Retained — a phased fee across the search. Used for succession, leadership and confidential mandates, where the work is committed on both sides.
- Contingency — a single fee payable on a successful placement. Suited to defined, competitive roles.
- Embedded — a day-rate or fixed-term arrangement for periods of concentrated hiring.
We will recommend the model that fits the role, and we will decline an engagement where we do not believe we can deliver it.
Introductions
An introduction is the passing of a candidate's details or identity, in writing or verbally, in connection with a role. Fees become payable where an introduced candidate is engaged by the client, or by an associated company of the client, within the period set out in the signed terms — including where the engagement is on a different role from the one originally discussed.
Fees
Fees are a percentage of the appointee's first-year total remuneration, agreed in writing in advance, and invoiced on acceptance of the offer unless the signed terms say otherwise. Payment terms, expenses and any retainer schedule are set out in those terms. VAT is charged where applicable.
Replacement and rebate
Every permanent placement carries a replacement or rebate period, the length of which is agreed in the signed terms. Where a placement ends within that period for a qualifying reason, we will run a replacement search at no further fee, or issue a rebate on the scale agreed.
Confidentiality
Client briefs, commercial terms and candidate information are confidential. We do not advertise confidential roles, we do not name clients as references without permission, and we do not disclose candidate details to a client without that candidate's explicit consent for the specific role.
Candidate information and data protection
Both parties handle candidate data in line with UK GDPR. Details of how we hold and use personal data are set out in our privacy notice. Client-side obligations — including using candidate data only for the role it was shared for — are set out in the signed terms.
Liability
We take reasonable care in verifying the information candidates give us, but final decisions on suitability, qualifications, references and right to work rest with the client. Limits of liability are set out in the signed terms.
Questions
For a copy of our full terms of business, email kirsty@mastellagroup.com.