Discussing the way some consortia and support networks treat homeworkers when they leave might feel like a recent shift, but it isn’t.
This conversation has been happening quietly for years between homeworkers, independent agents and others across the industry. It just hasn’t been spoken about openly enough.
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Homeworkers and independent agents are exactly that, independent business owners. They build the relationships, secure the bookings and earn their commission through sheer hard work.
So when those same business owners face barriers, delays or financial penalties for choosing to leave a network that no longer benefits them, it raises an obvious question – who is the structure really serving?
Freedom to succeed – and grow
Commission is not discretionary and it is not a favour. It is payment for work already done. Withholding commission simply because someone chooses to leave somewhere that no longer aligns with their business benefits only the structure withholding it.
More importantly, it restricts the freedom of the very business owners the model claims to support.
Support networks, host agencies, and consortia exist to help agents succeed and grow. That is the purpose of the relationship. It should never become something that makes leaving financially or operationally unworkable.
Agents should stay because they are supported, valued and growing. Not because the alternative feels impossible.
'Trust, fairness and choice'
If an agent outgrows their consortium or support network, that should be something to be proud of. It means they have built a strong business and you played a part in supporting that journey. That is exactly what a support structure should help create.
Equally, if the support provider is no longer the right fit, that’s part of business. Not every partnership lasts forever, and that is okay. What matters is that agents are able to move forward with support and without financial restriction.
If a model genuinely supports homeworkers and independent agents, there should be no need for restrictive exit mechanisms. Agents will stay because the relationship works.
Real partnership is built on trust, fairness, and choice. That is the standard the industry should be working towards.
Emma Collis is managing director of Protected Trust Services (PTS).
