The hierarchy of Clients, Contracts, Workers and Authorisers
When you first set up SaveTrees, it helps to understand how the main pieces connect. Clients, Contracts, Workers and Authorisers are the four building blocks that keep timesheets flowing smoothly.
What this help article contains
Clients
A Client is simply the business you’re working with.
Each client can have as many contracts as you need.
Contracts
- A Contract is like a container for your workers.
- You can name contracts however it makes sense for your business:
- By location (e.g. Manchester Office)
- By job type (e.g. Warehouse Staff)
- By team name (e.g. Night Shift Team)
- Even by individual worker (e.g. John Smith)
- Contracts don't need to be named uniquely but if you're going to add two or more to the same client, we would recommend it.
- There’s no right or wrong way — choose what fits your setup.
Workers
You can add one or many Workers to each contract.
Tip!
Workers can be called whatever you like: contractors, candidates, temps, consultants etc.
👉 Learn how to change the phrasing for workers, candidates etc.
👉 Learn how to change the phrasing for workers, candidates etc.
Authorisers
Authorisers are the people who approve timesheets. This is where flexibility really matters.
- By default, they’re usually client staff such as line managers or supervisors.
- But anyone can be an authoriser if required:
- Someone at the client
- An admin (you)
- Even the worker themselves (not common, but sometimes needed)
Multiple Authorisers (the “OR” rule)
- A worker can have more than one authoriser.
- The logic is simple: if any of them approves the timesheet, it’s authorised.
Primary Authoriser
- Each worker must always have one Primary Authoriser.
- This is the person who gets notified when the worker submits a timesheet.
- You can change the primary authoriser at any time.
Example Setups
By Location
- Client: RetailCo Ltd
- Contracts: London Store, Manchester Store
- Workers: Temps assigned to each store
- Authoriser: Store Manager
By Job Type
- Client: BuildIt Constructions
- Contracts: Labourers, Electricians, Plumbers
- Workers: Contractors by trade
- Authoriser: Site Foreman
By Team
- Client: Tech Solutions
- Contracts: Development Team, Support Team
- Workers: Developers and support staff
- Authoriser: Team Leaders
By Worker
- Client: FinanceCorp
- Contracts: John Smith, Jane Doe
- Workers: One per contract
- Authorisers: Assigned manager, or in rare cases the worker themselves
FAQs
Do all workers in a contract need the same authoriser?
No. While SaveTrees suggests the same authoriser for all workers in a contract (to save time), you can choose different ones.
Can a worker authorise their own timesheet?
Yes. It’s not common, but the system allows it if your setup requires it.
What if a timesheet needs more than one person’s approval?
You can set multiple authorisers. Any of them can approve the timesheet under the “OR” rule.
This help article was last updated on August 26, 2025
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