Site Team FAQs What is Cover Engineer?
Cover Engineer is a cover-shift platform built for building services and facilities teams. Sites and FM providers can post short-term or planned cover requirements in minutes. Engineers on the network can one-click apply using their saved profile. Instead of chasing availability across calls and messages, you simply review the applicants in one place and select the engineer you want to book, based on skills, experience, location, and availability. It’s a cheaper, faster, clearer way to secure the right cover with less downtime, less admin and most importantly, less cost!!
How does it work?
Cover Engineer keeps cover hiring simple and transparent. A site uploads a shift with the essentials, when and where it is, what’s needed on-site, and the skills or tickets required. Engineers on the platform can then put themselves forward instantly with a one-click application tied to their profile. From there, the site can see everyone who’s applied in one dashboard, compares suitability at a glance, and confirm the engineer they want to take the shift.
Is Cover Engineer an agency?
No! Cover Engineer is not a recruitment agency. It’s a self-serve platform that connects sites needing cover with engineers available to work, allowing engineers to apply in one click and sites to choose who they want to book based on experience, skills and previous reviews.
Are there any commissions?
No, we don’t charge recruiter-style commission per booking. Instead, Cover Engineer is a flat annual fee per site. The cost is less than the equivalent of two weeks’ worth of traditional recruitment agency fees per year, and then you only pay for cover based on approved timesheets.
How do I post a cover shift?
Create a shift in minutes by adding the essentials: site location, date/time, duration, rate and the skills/qualifications required. Once posted, it’s visible to engineers who match the role.
How quickly will my shift go live?
Shifts go live as soon as they’re posted, so engineers can start applying immediately. This enables you to find same day shift cover!
What happens if nobody applies?
You can edit the shift details (rate, start time, requirements) and repost to improve uptake. The platform is designed to make re-posting fast.
Can I set mandatory requirements?
Yes. You can specify required skills, qualifications/tickets, experience level, and any site rules.
Can I edit or cancel a shift after posting?
Yes. You can update shift details at any time before it’s confirmed. If you need to cancel once an engineer has already been booked, do so as early as possible to avoid disrupting engineers schedules. Repeated cancellations will affect your ability to source cover for future shifts and will result in suspension from the platform.
How is payment handled?
Payment is managed through a simple weekly process. Weekly timesheets will be provided for you to review and approve. Once approved, we’ll invoice you for the full amount due for that cover. Clipper Contracting then handles paying the engineer through their payroll.
Who is Clipper Contracting and what do they do?
Clipper Contracting Group is an umbrella payroll company that employs contractors on a PAYE basis and manages the pay process for temporary assignments. They handle onboarding, timesheets, PAYE tax and National Insurance, and issue payslips, so once hours are approved, they process and pay the Engineers through their payroll.
Are travel and parking covered?
No, engineers cover their own travel and parking unless you explicitly state otherwise in the shift listing.
Can I book the same engineer again?
Yes. If an engineer has been a good fit, you can rebook them for future cover shifts (subject to their availability).
When can site teams join?
Currently we are only onboarding Engineers ahead of our launch in April 2026. We will open the Site Applications in the coming weeks.