Too often in engineering, technology and defence programmes, resourcing models can’t adapt quickly enough when circumstances change.
ARM and IDE Systems have formed a new partnership to address this problem. By combining rapid outside-IR35 deployment, permanent hiring capability, inside-IR35 recruitment support and a structured transfer of knowledge, we’re giving organisations a flexible response when delivery is under pressure.
For both organisations, the partnership was driven by a strong alignment in values, approach and long-term thinking around programme delivery.
As Lee Hanna explains,
“Our partnership felt like a natural alignment from the early conversations, and we have a shared ambition to offer the market a scalable systems safety solution. The ARM/IDE relationship has developed with shared values and enthusiasm, and we’re stronger together.”
Claire Deans, Chief Operating Officer at IDE Systems, adds:
“That kind of connection makes a real difference; it allows us to work as one team rather than two separate organisations. For our clients, that means a more seamless, responsive service and the confidence that we’re fully aligned in delivering the right outcomes.”
The partnership has been built around a practical reality many organisations are already facing: resourcing models struggling to adapt quickly enough when circumstances change. Below are just some examples of where a more flexible and joined-up approach can make a meaningful difference.
Maintaining delivery momentum when key people leave
Engineering and technical programmes often rely heavily on specialist individuals with deep programme knowledge. When one of those people leaves unexpectedly, or is reassigned elsewhere, the impact can be immediate.
Milestones begin to slip as knowledge gaps emerge. In many cases, organisations simply can’t replace that capability quickly enough through permanent hiring alone. Internal backfill options may be limited, while sourcing and onboarding a permanent replacement can take months.
The partnership between ARM and IDE is designed to address both the immediate and long-term challenge simultaneously.
IDE Systems can rapidly deploy highly experienced outside-IR35 specialists to stabilise delivery and maintain momentum, while ARM runs a targeted search for the permanent or longer-term hire required to embed capability within the client’s team.
Importantly, the process does not stop once the permanent hire arrives. Structured handover and knowledge transfer form part of the wider approach, helping ensure continuity and minimising disruption throughout the transition.
The result is a programme that keeps moving, without sacrificing long-term capability or ownership.
Developing programmes rapidly without compromising compliance
Winning a major programme or entering a new phase of delivery creates pressure to grow teams quickly. But at the same time, many organisations are cautious around IR35 compliance and contingent workforce models. Typically, the result is broad inside-IR35 hiring–even where defined specialist workstreams would benefit from experienced, outcome-focused consultants operating outside IR35.
That can create a difficult trade-off between compliance, speed of delivery and access to specialist expertise. The ARM and IDE partnership offers a more balanced approach.
IDE Systems can support critical delivery workstreams with senior outside-IR35 specialists focused on outcomes and rapid mobilisation, while ARM supplies compliant inside-IR35 contractors and permanent recruitment solutions to support broader workforce requirements.
This blended model gives organisations greater flexibility while remaining fully aligned with internal governance and compliance expectations.
As programmes stabilise, permanent hires can then be introduced in a structured way, supported by knowledge transfer and capability handover to reduce long-term dependency on contingent resources.
Rather than forcing organisations to choose between pace and compliance, the partnership is designed to support both.
Building long-term capability–not filling gaps
Some programme challenges are not just about headcount; they stem from deeper skills gaps within niche engineering or systems disciplines.
It’s here that hiring permanent staff alone may not solve the immediate problem in time. Even where strong hires are secured, organisations can still face challenges establishing frameworks, standards, processes and best practice during the early stages of capability development.
This is where the ARM/IDE partnership moves beyond traditional recruitment support.
IDE Systems can deploy senior specialists to help establish and shape the capability itself, defining delivery frameworks, supporting early-phase work and embedding practical expertise from the outset.
Meanwhile, ARM recruits the permanent team members who will ultimately take ownership of that capability in the long term.
The focus is not simply on delivering work and stepping away. Structured knowledge transfer and mentoring are a key component of the approach, helping clients to build self-sufficient teams that can sustain and grow the capability internally over time.
The aim is not just to solve today’s delivery challenge, but to leave organisations stronger and more resilient for the future.
Across all three scenarios, the principle remains consistent: immediate programme support and long-term development of capability, working together.
By combining rapid deployment capability with structured hiring and knowledge transfer, ARM and IDE Systems are helping clients respond to programme pressure while building more sustainable delivery models for the future.
Learn more:
Lee Hanna
Head of Client Engagement
lee.hanna@arm.co.uk
Claire Deans
Chief Operating Officer
claire.deans@ide-systems.com
