In the increasingly competitive world of portage salarial, joining an official federation is an essential step for:
- Build credibility with consultants looking for a porting solution;
- Obtain the “No Hidden Fees” certification, issued by the federation following an audit of your processes and contractual terms;
- Access to ongoing legal monitoring: changes in legal obligations, collective bargaining agreements, etc.
In France, there are several organizations related to portage salarial: PEPS, FEPS, and Fedep’s.
It’s easy to confuse these three acronyms, yet there are important differences between each organization.
In this article, we’ll explain the role, scope, and status of each organization to help you make a more informed choice.
1. PEPS (Employment Professionals in the Portage Salarial Sector)
PEPS has established itself as the leading employers’ union representing the portage salarial sector in terms of the number of member companies, with approximately 400 umbrella companies as members. With a large majority—representing more than 75% of the sector—PEPS has the power to veto any agreements signed within the industry without its approval.
Founded in 2012, PEPS has a clear objective: to shape the future of the profession in close collaboration with government authorities and social partners.
It advocates for an ethical approach to portage salarial, placing compliance with professional regulations at the heart of its priorities. It was within this framework that PEPS negotiated and signed the collective bargaining agreement on portage salarial in 2017 with the social partners.
PEPS has also developed the “PEPS Label” in partnership with AFNOR Certification.
This certification is awarded to umbrella companies that meet strict standards regarding ethics, transparency, financial stability, and service quality. This certification is renewed every three years following an audit.
For freelance administration companies, this label brings real added value. Indeed, it is proof of their actions in terms of safety and support for ported employees.
2. The FEPS (Federation of Companies Specializing in Portage Salarial)
The FEPS is a minority employer organization. Founded in December 2015, it promotes a modern approach to portage salarial and represents more than 18,000 contractors and 88 portage companies, accounting for less than 25% of the industry.
Its mission is broad: it represents all companies involved in portage salarial throughout France and all professions practiced through this system.
By emphasizing adaptability and innovation, the FEPS strives to ensure that portage salarial remains a relevant and dynamic solution in an ever-changing professional world. It is also active outside of France, working to harmonize portage salarial practices at the European level.
In 2019, the FEPS askedAFNOR to develop a voluntary standard for portage salarial. This standardization is a collaborative process aimed at ensuring service quality and fostering continuous improvement.
3. Fedep’s (Association des Utilisateurs du Portage Salarial)
Fedep’s is a nonprofit association that advocates for users’ rights. Its members are primarily employees under an umbrella company arrangement, as well as client companies.
Fedep’s has a wide range of services, from providing advice to analyzing employment agency cases, as well as offering support in the event of a dispute.
In addition to these fundamental missions, Fedep’s constantly monitors and promotes ethical practices within the sector, notably through labels and promotions.
Indeed, the association has set up the “Zero Hidden Costs” label with the aim of detecting and stopping abuses in the freelance administration sector. The accounts of approved freelance administration companies are rigorously analysed by the financial auditors appointed by Fedep’s, who :
- access the company’s full financial statements for the last 2 years,
- carry out an on-site audit
Fedep’s then controls the umbrella companies through increased surveillance.
It thus positions itself as an indispensable pillar for anyone who wants to successfully navigate the complex world of portage salarial.
In summary
Here is a comparison table of the three organizations:
| Designation | PEPS | FEPS | Fedep’s |
| Full Name | Employment Professionals in the Payroll Services Sector | Federation of Payroll Services Companies | Federation for the Defense of Employees in the Payroll Services Sector |
| Nature | Employers’ association | Employers’ association | User Association (contract employees and client companies) |
| Date Created | 2012 | 2015 | 2017 |
| Official Representativeness | 75,42% | 24,58% | Not applicable (this is not an employers’ association) |
| Members | ~400 umbrella companies | ~88 umbrella companies | Contract employees and client companies |
| Lead Role | Negotiation of the collective bargaining agreement; representation in dealings with government authorities | Employer representation, lobbying for the deregulation of the portage system | Protecting consumers, fighting hidden fees |
| Proposed label | PEPS Label (AFNOR-accredited) | Collaboration with AFNOR on a voluntary standard | “No Hidden Fees” Label (independent external audit) |
| Membership | Member of MEDEF and the CINOV Federation | A European Dimension Asserted | Independent, nonprofit organization |
Joining an umbrella company federation for portage salarial: When and how?
When is the best time to join a federation?
Membership in a professional association is not required to establish and operate an umbrella company. However, as you can see, by joining a professional association, you directly benefit from advantages in managing and promoting your portage salarial business.
However, if you decide to join, here are the key points to consider:
Scenario 1: Sign up at launch (recommended)
This is the most common and most beneficial strategy. Signing up early allows you to:
- Get support right from the start: You’ll have access to contract templates and legal analyses, and you’ll immediately benefit from best practices.
- Take advantage of negotiated rates: Professional associations have negotiated benefits and preferential rates for their members on professional liability insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, and sometimes even financial guarantees.
- Build credibility: Membership conveys an image of professionalism and reliability to your first contract employees and their client companies.
- Avoiding beginner mistakes: You can talk with your peers to avoid falling into the same traps they’ve encountered
Important Note for FEPS: A financial guarantee is a prerequisite for joining FEPS, unless you are part of the Jeune Pousse program. FEPS therefore offers a specific program for startups that have not yet obtained a financial guarantee.
Scenario 2: Join after the activity has started
Some companies prefer to wait until they’ve been in business for a few months before signing up. This may be a good idea if you want to:
- Test your business model before incurring additional costs
- Gain a better understanding of your actual needs before choosing a federation
PEPS Membership Criteria
To join the PEPS program, your umbrella company must sign a code of ethics and comply with strict criteria regarding management, transparency, and support.
Requirements for Membership
- Operating a portage salarial business legally:
- Prior Notice of Business Activity Filed with the Labor Inspectorate
- Exclusive provision of portage salarial services
- Registration with the RCS
- Have the required financial guarantee
- Signing and adhering to the PEPS Code of Ethics: these are best practices for contractors, client companies, and institutions.
Obtain the PEPS certification (additional step)
The PEPS certification is separate from membership. The certification applies to umbrella companies that are members of PEPS.
To receive certification, a company must meet stricter criteria, such as ensuring legal and financial security for its carriers and their customers.
The award of the certification is preceded by an audit conducted by AFNOR Certification, which is renewed every 3 years.
FEPS Membership Criteria
To join the FEPS, your portage salarial business must have been registered in accordance with applicable laws. The financial guarantee is a prerequisite for joining the FEPS, except under the Jeune Pousse program. Members must sign and adhere to the FEPS Charter of Values and Code of Ethics. Memberships are approved by the Federation’s Board of Directors.
Requirements for Membership
- Statement of Business Activities in Compliance with Applicable Laws
- Financial Guarantee (except for the “Jeune Pousse” program for new umbrella companies)
- Signing of the Charter of Values and the Code of Ethics
- Approval by the Board of Directors
And then, how do you manage your umbrella company?
Managing a physical education program primarily involves administrative tasks:
- Drafting Employment Contracts
- Management of Assignments for Contract Employees and Time Tracking
- Preparation of pay slips
- Issuing Customer Invoices and Collecting Payments
- Financial management
All of this must be done in full compliance with the industry’s legal obligations… and without neglecting your relationship with your contractors, who are your most valuable asset!
So how can you streamline your operations to grow your business?
The answer can be summed up in three letters: V.S.P.
VSPortage (or VSP for short) is management software designed specifically for umbrella companies.
The tool meets all umbrella company needs on a single platform:
- HR Management and Payroll
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- Dashboard for Contractors
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- Financial management
- Missions and time management
To explore VSPortage’s features, book your demo today.
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