Software Developer Contractor Agreement for the United Kingdom

Software Developer Contractor Agreement Template for England and Wales

A comprehensive legal agreement governed by the laws of England and Wales, designed to establish the terms and conditions between a software developer working as a contractor and their client. The agreement covers essential aspects including service delivery, intellectual property rights, payment terms, confidentiality, and data protection obligations. It ensures compliance with UK employment and tax legislation, particularly IR35, while protecting both parties' interests in the software development engagement.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Software Developer Contractor Agreement

Let Genie AI's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.
Upload your Doc

What is a Software Developer Contractor Agreement?

The Software Developer Contractor Agreement is essential for businesses in England and Wales engaging independent software developers. This agreement defines the commercial relationship while ensuring compliance with IR35 and other relevant UK legislation. It's particularly important in today's digital economy where flexible technical resource engagement is common. The document addresses key areas including scope of work, deliverables, intellectual property assignments, confidentiality provisions, and payment terms, while maintaining clear contractor status distinction from employment relationships.

What sections should be included in a Software Developer Contractor Agreement?

1. Parties: Identifies the contracting parties with full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement and relationship between parties

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Services: Detailed description of software development services to be provided

5. Payment Terms: Rates, payment schedule, and invoicing procedures

6. Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership and transfer of IP created during the engagement

7. Confidentiality: Protection of sensitive information

8. Term and Termination: Duration and conditions for ending the agreement

What sections are optional to include in a Software Developer Contractor Agreement?

1. Non-Compete: Restrictions on working with competitors - use when protecting market position is crucial

2. Equipment Provision: Terms for providing/using hardware or software - include when client provides equipment

3. Service Levels: Performance metrics and standards - include for complex or critical projects

4. Change Control: Process for managing scope changes - include for projects with evolving requirements

What schedules should be included in a Software Developer Contractor Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Project Specifications: Detailed technical requirements and deliverables

2. Schedule 2 - Rate Card: Detailed breakdown of charges and rates

3. Schedule 3 - Service Levels: Performance metrics and measurement criteria

4. Appendix A - Data Processing Agreement: GDPR-compliant data processing terms

5. Appendix B - Acceptable Use Policy: Guidelines for system and resource usage

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

England and Wales

Publisher

Genie AI

Cost

Free to use
Industries

IR35 Legislation: Off-payroll working rules that determine contractor employment status for tax purposes

Employment Rights Act 1996: Core legislation defining employment rights and status classifications in the UK

Agency Workers Regulations 2010: Regulations ensuring equal treatment for agency workers and contractors

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation governing intellectual property rights in software development

Trade Marks Act 1994: Legislation protecting branding and trademark rights in software products

Trade Secrets (Enforcement) Regulations 2018: Protection of confidential business information and trade secrets

UK General Data Protection Regulation: Post-Brexit data protection regulation governing personal data processing

Data Protection Act 2018: UK's implementation of data protection standards and requirements

Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999: Legislation governing third-party rights in contractual arrangements

Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977: Regulation of unfair terms in contracts and limitation of liability

Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003: Tax legislation relevant to contractor payments and obligations

Value Added Tax Act 1994: VAT obligations and requirements for contractor services

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: Primary legislation governing workplace safety and health requirements

Working Time Regulations 1998: Rules governing working hours, rest periods, and related rights

Competition Act 1998: Legislation governing anti-competitive practices and agreements

Arbitration Act 1996: Framework for alternative dispute resolution in contractual matters

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Social Media Contract

An English law agreement establishing terms for free social media management services, including content rights and posting schedules.

find out more

Work Contracts For Independent Contractors

An England & Wales contract defining terms for engaging independent contractors, ensuring compliance and protecting both parties' interests.

find out more

Subcontractor Agreement Payment Terms

An England & Wales legal document outlining payment terms for subcontracted construction work.

find out more

Startup Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales agreement for startups engaging contractors, ensuring IP protection and compliance with IR35 regulations.

find out more

Standard General Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales contract outlining roles and responsibilities for construction project management and delivery.

find out more

Standard Form Of Contract For Maintenance And Renovation Works

A contract in England & Wales outlining terms for maintenance and renovation projects, ensuring compliance and protecting interests.

find out more

Standard Builders Contract

A legal document in England & Wales outlining construction project responsibilities and compliance with statutory requirements.

find out more

Spa Independent Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales agreement defining spa service terms for independent contractors, ensuring legal compliance and protection.

find out more

Sound And Light Contracting Agreement

An England & Wales contract detailing professional sound and lighting service terms for events and installations.

find out more

Snow Removal Service Contract

An England & Wales contract outlining snow removal services and compliance with safety and liability standards.

find out more

Short Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales legal document outlining terms for engaging independent contractors for specific projects or services.

find out more

Simple Engineering Contract

An England & Wales contract for straightforward engineering projects, ensuring clear terms and quick implementation.

find out more

Simple Contractor Contract

An England & Wales contract for engaging independent contractors, covering scope, payment, IP rights, and confidentiality.

find out more

Short Form Subcontractor Agreement

An England & Wales legal document delegating specific construction tasks to a subcontractor under simplified terms.

find out more

Simple Handyman Contract

An England & Wales contract outlining handyman services, payment, and obligations for residential or commercial properties.

find out more

Self Employed Cleaner Contract

A legal contract in England & Wales formalizing self-employed cleaning service arrangements and ensuring compliance with legislation.

find out more

Salon Contract For Employees

An England & Wales contract outlining salon employment terms, including commissions, safety, and professional standards.

find out more

Sales Subcontractor Agreement

An England & Wales agreement outlining sales subcontractor roles, commission, and compliance for independent contractors.

find out more

Real Estate Construction Contract

An England & Wales legal contract outlining terms for construction projects, ensuring compliance and protecting involved parties.

find out more

Prime Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales contract assigning primary responsibility for project delivery to a single construction contractor.

find out more

Preferred Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales contract granting preferential status to contractors for ongoing service delivery.

find out more

Percentage Agreement Contract

An England & Wales contract detailing percentage-based compensation for revenue or sales in commercial agreements.

find out more

Painting Subcontractor Contract

An England & Wales contract engaging a painting subcontractor for construction projects, detailing compliance and performance standards.

find out more

Part Time Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales legal document outlining terms for part-time contractor services and compliance with IR35 regulations.

find out more

Non Profit Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales agreement for non-profits engaging contractors, ensuring compliance with charity law and regulations.

find out more

Mining Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales legal document outlining terms for mining operations between owners and contractors.

find out more

Masonry Contract Agreement

An England & Wales contract defining masonry project terms, responsibilities, and compliance with construction regulations.

find out more

Janitorial Subcontractor Agreement

An England & Wales agreement outlining terms for subcontracted janitorial services and compliance with legal standards.

find out more

IT Contractor Contract

An England & Wales contract defining IT contractor status, ensuring compliance with IR35 and related legislation.

find out more

Independent Sales Contract

An England & Wales contract defining sales representative terms, commission, and compliance with commercial agency regulations.

find out more

Independent Contractor Separation Agreement

An England & Wales legal document formalizing the termination of a contractor relationship and outlining separation terms.

find out more

Housekeeping Services Agreement Contract

An England & Wales contract formalizing housekeeping services, detailing scope, standards, and compliance requirements.

find out more

House Framing Contract

A legal contract in England & Wales outlining terms for structural framing services in construction projects.

find out more

House Flipping Contractor Agreement

An England & Wales contract detailing renovation terms for house flipping, ensuring compliance and protecting involved parties.

find out more

Home Remodel Contract

An England & Wales legal document outlining terms for substantial residential renovation projects, ensuring compliance and protection.

find out more

General Contract For Services Agreement

An England & Wales document recording a credit bureau's non-response to a formal information request.

find out more

General Contract Agreement Between Two Parties

An England & Wales legal document detailing a consumer's formal complaint and proposed resolution for goods or services issues.

find out more

Framing Contractor Contract

An England & Wales legal document challenging inaccuracies in credit reports under consumer protection laws.

find out more

Framework Agreement Contract

An England & Wales legal document safeguarding digital information through electronic non-disclosure provisions.

find out more

Fence Contract Agreement

An England & Wales legal document safeguarding business plan confidentiality during external discussions.

find out more
See more related templates

Genie’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

2 Docs LeftAccess Now