Choose the model
that fits the work.
The right choice depends on what you need to own, where capacity is missing, and how the work will continue after the engagement.
What are you trying to add?
| Model | Best fit | Client responsibility | What to clarify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embedded talent / AI staff augmentation | You have a team and backlog but need specific skills or delivery capacity. | Day-to-day direction, prioritisation and acceptance within the agreed scope. | Named roles, availability, employment, screening, term and continuity. |
| Managed delivery | You want a defined workstream or outcome coordinated by a delivery partner. | Sponsorship, access, review and timely business decisions. | Scope, deliverables, acceptance, dependencies, service levels and handover. |
| Permanent hiring | The capability belongs in your long-term operating model. | Recruitment, employment, management, development and retention. | Role design, hiring lead time, total employment cost and career path. |
| Consulting / assessment | You need an independent diagnosis, decision or roadmap before committing. | Access to stakeholders and ownership of subsequent action. | Decision question, evidence, recommendations and implementation responsibility. |
Start with the missing responsibility.
If you can direct the work…
Embedded specialists may fit when you have a capable product owner, clear backlog and an approved environment. Agree how contribution will be reviewed and how knowledge stays with your team.
Explore embedded AI teamsIf you need delivery ownership…
Define a managed workstream with acceptance criteria and a delivery lead. If the need is still unclear, start with an assessment rather than assuming more people will solve it.
Explore implementation deliveryExplore opportunity assessmentAgree the essentials.
- What work must change, and who owns that priority?
- Which skills, seniority and working arrangements are actually needed?
- Are systems, data, tooling and access approvals ready?
- How will you evaluate the people and the work they deliver?
- What happens at renewal, replacement or exit?
A blended model can work: retain product ownership internally, embed specialist capacity, and scope a separate delivery engagement where needed. Put the boundaries into the agreement.
Discuss your team requirement.
Share the work, specialist capabilities and delivery priorities you need to support.