Choosing the Right for MSP Delivery Model Your Critical Infrastructure Projects

BLOGBy Rullion on 13 August 2025

In critical infrastructure, workforce planning can be tied to regulatory investment cycles, major infrastructure upgrades, or unplanned maintenance. For many organisations, a Managed Service Programme (MSP) provider can help ensure the right skills are in place when needed, avoiding delays that can add months and millions to a project. Choosing the right MSP delivery model can be the difference between hitting deadlines and facing costly overruns.

Why the MSP delivery model matters

Your MSP delivery model shapes:

  • Speed – how quickly roles are filled
  • Quality – how well candidates match your requirements
  • Access to talent – how broad or targeted your sourcing is
  • Supplier relationships – how performance is managed
  • Compliance and control – how you meet sector-specific regulations

Two of the most widely used MSP vendor models are Master Vendor and Neutral Vendor. Some organisations also use Hybrid approaches. The right choice depends on your skill mix, supply chain maturity, and delivery priorities.

Where MSP delivery models overlap

No matter which model you choose, your MSP provider should still:

  • Manage the end-to-end process for recruiting and managing contingent workers
  • Act as a single point of contact for hiring managers and procurement
  • Oversee supplier performance, contracts, and regulatory compliance
  • Provide clear reporting, insight, and market intelligence
  • Drive cost control, risk management, and continuous improvement

What’s the difference between Master Vendor and Neutral Vendor?

The key difference lies in candidate sourcing and supplier prioritisation:

  • Master Vendor: in-scope roles start with the primary supplier’s own network before engaging others
  • Neutral Vendor: opens every role to the full supplier network from day one

 

Master Vendor MSP

In a Master Vendor model, your MSP service provider is led by a single primary supplier who fills most requirements (between 60-90%) from their own talent network. When they can’t fill a role, it’s passed to a small group of approved third-party suppliers.

When does a Master Vendor MSP works best?

  • High volume of similar roles with quick turnaround times
  • Predictable, repeat skillsets that benefit from direct fulfilment
  • When your primary supplier has deep expertise of your sector and is able to deliver direct fulfilment on in-scope roles

Example: A utilities contractor ramping up for a national smart meter installation programme or an energy provider hiring engineers for planned maintenance.

Advantages of a Master Vendor model:

  • Faster fulfilment for repeat roles
  • Consistent quality from a supplier that knows your business
  • Streamlined supplier management

Risks to manage with a Master Vendor model:

  • Success relies heavily on the strength and sector expertise of the primary supplier’s own network.
  • While a Master Vendor will still work with trusted third-party suppliers for specialist roles, access to ultra-rare or emerging skill sets may still be more limited than in a Neutral Vendor model.

 

Neutral Vendor MSP

In a Neutral Vendor model, your MSP service provider acts as an impartial manager. Still overseeing all supplier relationships, enforcing performance standards, and ensuring compliance, but without prioritising its own candidates. All approved suppliers get the same opportunity to submit candidates for each role, creating a level playing field.

When does a Neutral Vendor MSP works best?

  • Roles require niche, scarce, or highly specialised skills
  • Broader supplier reach is needed for complex projects

Example: A nuclear operator hiring safety case engineers, or a water company recruiting hydrologists and digital infrastructure experts.

Advantages of a Neutral Vendor model:

  • Greater reach into niche skill markets
  • Competitive sourcing that can balance speed, cost, and quality
  • Less reliance on a single supplier

Risks to manage with a Neutral Vendor model:

  • Potentially slower fulfilment if processes aren’t tightly managed
  • More complex supplier relationship management

 

Hybrid MSP models

A Hybrid MSP delivery model blends elements of Master Vendor and Neutral Vendor models to create a more flexible delivery approach. It’s designed to give you the speed and simplicity of direct fulfilment for common roles, while also tapping into a wider supplier network for specialist needs.

When does a hybrid MSP vendor model work best?

  • You have a core set of high-volume, repeat roles alongside niche, low-volume requirements.
  • Supply chain maturity varies. Some skill areas are well covered; others need broader reach.
  • Project demand is uneven, with peaks for specific skill sets at certain times.

How a hybrid model works in practice:

  • Master Vendor mode for operational or technical roles where the primary MSP supplier already has strong talent pipelines.
  • Neutral Vendor mode for specialist, rare, or project-specific skills where a wider net is needed.

Example: A national energy provider may use a Master Vendor approach for meter engineers, field service technicians, and project managers but switch to Neutral Vendor sourcing for cybersecurity experts or nuclear safety specialists.

Advantages of a hybrid MSP model:

  • You get the best of both worlds. Fast fulfilment for common roles, wide access for niche needs.
  • Tailored sourcing strategy for each skill area.
  • Can evolve over time as project needs change.

Risks to manage with a hybrid model:

  • Requires clear governance and role categorisation so suppliers know when each model applies.
  • More complex performance tracking to ensure both streams are delivering against targets.

 

Master Vendor MSP vs. Neutral Vendor MSP

Considerations

Master Vendor Model

Neutral Vendor Model

Speed

Faster fulfilment for repeat skills

Dependent on supplier responsiveness

Access to niche skills

Relies on primary supplier’s expertise for in-scope roles and escalation to approved suppliers

Immediate access to full approved supplier
network

Supplier relationship management

One dedicated MSP contact managing a smaller, focused supplier group

One dedicated MSP contact managing a broader supplier network, ensuring performance, compliance, and consistency across all vendors

Cost control

Strong for repeat hires

Competitive supplier engagement may reduce agency rates

Risk

Over-reliance on one supplier

Possible slower time-to-fill if not managed well

 

Choosing the right MSP model and provider

The right MSP delivery model will depend on your current skills mix, supply chain maturity, and delivery priorities. But it shouldn’t stay static; if it does, it could be time to change your MSP provider.

Rullion’s MSP model helps organisations evolve their approach over time. Whether that means starting with a Master Vendor model for speed and control, moving toward a Neutral Vendor model to widen reach, or blending the two in a hybrid model. Whatever your challenges, we’ll design and manage a model that supports your projects, meets your regulatory commitments, and strengthens your long-term workforce strategy.

With our deep sector expertise and enhanced internal capability, we’re able to achieve industry-leading direct fulfilment rates for our clients, delivering around 90% of roles directly through Master Vendor or hybrid arrangements. For the few highly specialised requirements that fall outside this, we draw on our trusted, vetted supplier network to ensure every role is filled with the right talent.

Quick Checklist

When it comes to picking the right MSP delivery model, you’ll want to ask yourself:

  • Do we have a high volume of repeat roles or a wide mix of niche skills?
  • How mature and capable is our current supply chain?
  • Is speed or breadth of access our higher priority?
  • How important is competitive supplier engagement to our hiring strategy?
  • Are we prepared for the governance needed to manage multiple suppliers?
Share

Unlock your full potential.

Tell us what's holding you back, and we'll design a solution specifically for you

More like this

BPSS Clearance: A Smarter Approach to Background Screening

BPSS Clearance: A Smarter Approach to Background Screening

“What exactly is BPSS clearance, and why is it such a big deal for places like Hinkley Point C or Sizewell C?” Sibel asked at the start of our latest Confessions of a Screening Expert conversation. It’s a good question. For many businesses stepping into regulated environments for the first time, Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks can feel like a maze of acronyms and requirements. But for Jayne Lee, Candidate Services at Rullion, BPSS is the baseline that keeps projects moving, and people safe. What BPSS Clearance Involves BPSS is the government framework for initial background screening. Jayne describes it as “the baseline of where people need to be cleared to.” It includes: Right to Work check Identity verification Criminal record check (DBS checks) Three years of employment referencing “People sometimes call it the ‘RICE’ model,” Jayne adds. “Right to Work, Identity, Criminal record, and Employment history. It’s a clear structure, and it’s widely recognised as the entry-level clearance for high-security roles.” From there, some roles may require higher levels of clearance (like SC or DV), but BPSS is always the starting point. And while it’s critical at nuclear sites like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, BPSS clearance is increasingly required across other regulated sectors too, including rail, energy, and utilities. The Challenge: Speed Without Compromise At projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, every worker - from engineers to ground staff - must hold valid BPSS clearance before stepping on site. Delays here can stall entire workstreams. The industry norm for completing BPSS checks is often 30–40 days. For major infrastructure projects, that’s simply not sustainable. Rullion’s solution: Jayne’s team achieves an average of 7.5 days per clearance. In exceptional cases, they’ve turned around a check in just 24-hours. But it’s not just about speed for speed’s sake. “When you scale up, challenges appear,” Jayne explains. “Last summer we onboarded over 1,000 international workers in one intake. International criminal record checks can push timelines out, but even then, our average was around 15 days — still significantly faster than sector norms.” Read how we deliver screening success at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C › and see how our approach to BPSS clearance is keeping projects on track while reducing delays across complex supply chains. More Than a System: People First 'Where does this speed come from?' asks Sibel. According to Jayne, it’s the human-led approach that makes the real difference. Before any link or form is sent, every candidate receives a call from a named advisor. “That first call is golden,” says Jayne. “We introduce ourselves, explain the process step by step, and make sure candidates know what documents they’ll need. If they’ve got everything ready, the process sails through.” This proactive support avoids delays caused by missing documents or incomplete forms. And it doesn’t end there: Candidates have a direct phone number and email for their advisor. Clients get weekly catch-up calls to resolve issues quickly. No one is left waiting on a generic helpdesk or traffic-light status update. “It’s not just about compliance,” Jayne adds. “It’s about building trust and momentum.” Where Technology Fits In It’s not all down to people. Smart technology underpins the process, helping keep everything secure, visible, and moving at pace. For candidates, that means a smoother journey with less waiting around. For clients, it means instant oversight of their workforce, so they know exactly where things stand. “It’s the combination that works,” Jayne explains. “Automation helps with speed, but human oversight ensures accuracy, engagement, and problem-solving along the way.” Common Challenges, Clear Solutions Every project has its hurdles. This approach balances governance, compliance, and candidate experience all without sacrificing speed. Jayne outlines a few common ones, and how her team resolves them: Challenge Solution Candidates are slow to provide documents. Early preparation calls mean candidates know exactly what to have ready. International workers require overseas checks. Dedicated advisors manage timelines and keep clients informed, so expectations are clear. Clients worry about visibility. The portal and weekly calls ensure full transparency at every stage. Final Word from the Screening Expert Jayne has spent over 13 years in background screening. Her verdict? “BPSS clearance isn’t just a box to tick. Done right, it’s what keeps projects moving and candidates engaged. It’s about being quick, yes - but also accurate, compliant, and supportive. That’s where the human element really matters.” For organisations, the key takeaway is clear: background screening services are most effective when they combine smart technology with a human touch. This article is part of the Confessions of a Screening Expert series, where Sibel Akel, Marketing Director at Rullion, speaks with Jayne Lee and other industry leaders about the realities of screening in regulated sectors.

By Rullion on 25 September 2025

NEWS
Rullion receives 'Highly Commended' at the 2025 APSCo OutSource Awards for Excellence

Rullion receives 'Highly Commended' at the 2025 APSCo OutSource Awards for Excellence

This recognition reflects the strength of our Managed Service Programme (MSP) delivery and our long-standing partnerships with clients such as E.ON, Siemens and Northumbrian Water. These are complex, regulated environments where trust, compliance and responsiveness are critical – and where our recruitment outsourcing solutions are making a measurable difference. Why the APSCo Awards Matter APSCo’s OutSource Awards for Excellence are highly respected in the staffing industry, celebrating organisations that deliver innovative, compliant and scalable workforce solutions. Recognition from APSCo highlights the value of strategic MSP services in a market where organisations face skills shortages, tighter regulation and growing reliance on contingent workforces to keep operations running. Lindsay Harrison, Chief Customer Officer at Rullion, said: “Judges recognised Rullion for its ability to deliver recruitment outsourcing programmes that combine scale, compliance, and exceptional service. With a 90% client retention rate and partnerships spanning decades, Rullion has proven its ability to build long-term trust with organisations across critical infrastructure.” We’re grateful to APSCo and the judging panel for this recognition and extend our congratulations to the winners. We’re proud to be part of a community that celebrates excellence in recruitment outsourcing. What the Judges Said Lindsay Harrison, Chief Customer Officer at Rullion, said: In their announcement, APSCo shared: “Judges recognised Rullion for its ability to deliver recruitment outsourcing programmes that combine scale, compliance, and exceptional service. With a 90% client retention rate and partnerships spanning decades, Rullion has proven its ability to build long-term trust with organisations across critical infrastructure.” They also praised our NPS of 93, innovative direct sourcing strategies, and ability to manage complex transitions without disruption. Clients consistently describe Rullion as a true extension of their teams. A Proven MSP Model Our Managed Service Programme is built to handle the challenges of contingent workforce management at scale. Whether it’s sourcing highly skilled engineers for the energy sector, managing compliance for regulated utility environments, or ensuring rapid deployment of contractors across infrastructure projects, our MSP model gives clients the confidence that every aspect of workforce delivery is covered. We’ve invested in direct sourcing to improve quality, reduce time-to-hire and deliver cost savings. At E.ON, for example, we achieved 100% direct hires, cut time-to-hire by 15%, and improved interview-to-offer conversion rates by 25%. People-First, Insight-Led Delivery Our success isn’t only about processes and metrics. It comes from a people-first approach that prioritises partnership, communication and cultural alignment. We know that managing a contingent workforce is not just about filling vacancies, it’s about creating a seamless experience for hiring managers, contractors and stakeholders. We support this with an insight-led model that measures five key areas: compliance, cost savings, operational excellence, innovation, and social value. This allows us to track impact and continuously improve our MSP delivery. Alongside business results, we embed ESG principles into our programmes, from inclusive recruitment practices to supporting local supply chains and delivering social value in the communities we serve. Looking Ahead The demand for agile and resilient workforce models is only increasing. Organisations across energy, utilities, and infrastructure face rising pressure to balance compliance with innovation while securing scarce skills. As an MSP service provider, we’re committed to helping clients adapt, scale effectively, and unlock long-term value from their contingent workforce. Winning this recognition at the APSCo OutSource Awards highlights the ongoing commitment of our teams to deliver MSP solutions that make a measurable difference for clients. For us, this commendation is about more than a single programme. It reflects the day-to-day commitment of our people to deliver people-first, insight-led MSP solutions that evolve with our clients' needs.

By Rullion on 19 September 2025

NEWS
Delivering Proven Screening Success at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C

Delivering Proven Screening Success at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C

Rullion has been a trusted candidate background screening provider since 2014, playing a vital role in supporting major UK nuclear infrastructure projects, including Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. Working across multiple delivery partners and project phases, we’ve helped embed consistent, compliant, and candidate-friendly screening at scale. With over 8,000 candidates screened annually and clearance times reduced to an average of just 7.5 days, our model continues to support project momentum and onboarding efficiency - while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and governance. The Challenge To keep momentum on projects of this scale, pre-employment screening must be robust, accurate, and fast. Every individual working on site requires BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) clearance before work can begin. With multiple stakeholders, evolving regulatory requirements, and high volumes of candidates, the background screening process can be complex to manage, even with established systems in place. Our clients needed a nuclear screening provider who could bring clarity, consistency, and pace to an already demanding environment. What project teams need: Timely and accurate delivery of BPSS clearance and related vetting checks A positive, well-supported candidate experience Screening support delivered direct to projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and across Tier 1 contractors and their supply chains Real-time visibility, control, and governance in screening processes Tier 1 contractors are the principal delivery partners on major projects such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. Supporting them means enabling their workforces and suppliers to clear vetting efficiently, reducing risk of onboarding delays. A Proven Screening Model for Nuclear Environments Our nuclear screening model has evolved over years of delivery, working across early careers, agency-supplied workers, and permanent hires. The service model is grounded in best practice, with compliance and candidate experience at its core. Our solution is built on five key pillars: 1. Speed with Precision We consistently reduce average BPSS clearance times from 30-40 days to fewer than 8 days, using: A dedicated screening portal with automated timelines Electronic document collection via DocuSign One-to-one support from trained candidate advisors “We’re consistently achieving clearances in 7–8 days - and in urgent cases, we’ve turned around checks in just 24 hours,” says Jayne Lee, Head of Screening. 2. BPSS and Beyond We manage all core BPSS clearance elements: Right to work (RTW) Identity and address verification Criminal record checks (DBS) Three to five years referencing We also support CTC and SC clearance preparation where needed, compiling candidate packs ready for formal review. 3. Human-Led Candidate Experience Every candidate is assigned a named advisor who supports them through the screening journey; they answer questions, collect documents, and maintain engagement from start to finish. “We know how to reach the right contact for a reference. Our proactive approach keeps things moving,” adds Jayne. 4. Real-Time Governance Our clients benefit from full transparency throughout: Live dashboards and candidate status tracking SLA-based monitoring and escalation Monthly reporting and governance in screening audits 5. Scalable Across Supply Chains Our solution is used not only by project leads but by Tier 1 contractors across both Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. The model scales to support different business units and workforce types including; contractors, agency workers, and permanent staff Impact to Date Over 8,000 candidates screened annually 75% reduction in average screening times +69 Net Promoter Score (NPS) from screened candidates BPSS compliance embedded with live audit capability Fully digital, mobile-friendly experience Adopted by Tier 1s across the project supply chain A Benchmark for Nuclear Screening Rullion’s screening model is now a recognised example of best practice in regulated environments, supporting complex infrastructure programmes where delays and drop-offs can have significant impact. We continue to support project teams across Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, delivering the confidence and control they need to move quickly and compliantly. If you’d like to explore how our model could support your screening processes, get in touch with our team. Curious about common pitfalls? Read our guide on pre-employment screening mistakes.

By Rullion on 18 September 2025