When a freelance project manager joins mid project, hand over the brief, scope, timeline, budget position, open feedback, key contacts and known risks in the first day. A good handover saves a week of catching up.
An experienced freelancer can start quickly, but only with the right information.
The essential documents
Share the original brief and any changes agreed since, the signed scope or statement of work, and the current timeline with milestones.
Share the budget position: what has been spent, what remains, and any change requests pending.
Share the latest client feedback and outstanding approvals, plus access to the project management tool, shared drives and relevant channels.
People and relationships
List the client stakeholders and their roles, the internal team, freelancers and suppliers, and who makes final decisions on each side.
Share the context that never gets written down: sensitive relationships, previous issues, and what the client cares about most.
Setting them up to succeed
Introduce the freelancer to the client early, ideally in the first few days, so the relationship starts properly.
Agree how much authority they have to make decisions, approve changes and speak for the agency.
What to expect in week one
In my first week on any project, I map everything in flight, meet the team, reset the plan with the client if needed and share a clear view of risks. If you need someone to step in, get in touch.