Best Practices in Employment
Employment frameworks and practices for independent practitioners and SEPs
Last updated 16 September 2025
Key Terms of Engagement Form Template for Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
To shape better contracting norms and aid in the event of payment disputes, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has developed a key terms of engagement form template (Doc) for SEPs.
The form template was developed in accordance with the Tripartite Standard on Contracting with SEPs (TS SEPs), and details the key terms of engagement that should be provided in a written contract.
SEPs can use the form template to request that service-buyers provide in writing the key terms of engagement. Service-buyers who wish to provide their SEPs with written agreements, but do not know how to do so, can use the form template as a guide. Users of the form template can further customise it to suit the needs of their engagements.
In addition to the above, service-buyers who use the form template and include all suggested terms in Section A – E are ready to adopt the TS SEPs, and we encourage them to do so. MOM also encourages SEPs who use the form template to encourage their service-buyers to adopt the TS SEPs.
Note: This information is extracted from Tripartite Standards on Contracting with Self-Employed Persons.
What is the Tripartite Standards?
The Tripartite Standards specify a set of fair and progressive employment practices for service contracts that all service buyers should implement at the workplace. Visit the TAFEP website for more details on Tripartite Standards on the Procurement of Services from Media Freelancers, and Tripartite Standards on Contracting with Self-Employed Persons.
Other useful resources:
Good Practices in Singapore Theatre
The Arts Freelancers' Playbook
e2i is a tripartite initiative of the National Trades Union Congress that serves as a bridge between workers and employers, connecting with workers to offer job security through job-matching, career guidance and skills upgrading services.
Workforce Singapore (WSG) runs career events and workshops for individuals of varying career development needs. They offer a host of useful resources including a structured job search guide, My Career Future portal, and free support from career advisors.
For suggestions on relevant resources and links to include, please write to us here.