Understanding Internal and External Secondment: Which Model is Right for Your Business?

The secondment model provides businesses with a strategic way to manage workforce demands, improve skills, and enhance collaboration. There are two primary types of secondment: internal secondment, where an employee is temporarily transferred within the same organisation, and external secondment, where an employee is temporarily assigned to a different organisation. Each model has its own advantages, and the right choice depends on your business goals, industry, and workforce needs.

Internal vs. External Secondment: Key Differences

• Internal Secondment involves moving an employee to a different role or department within the same company. This can enhance cross-departmental knowledge, provide professional development, and support resource allocation.

• External Secondment places an employee in another organisation for a set period, allowing for knowledge exchange, industry collaboration, and project-specific expertise.

Some businesses benefit more from one model than the other. For example, companies with a strong need for talent retention and leadership development may find internal secondment ideal. Meanwhile, businesses looking to expand industry knowledge, enhance partnerships, or manage temporary skill gaps may gain more from external secondment.

To understand these models in depth, explore our detailed breakdowns of internal secondment and external secondment and how each can support business growth.