New drugs, therapies, and groundbreaking technologies are reaching the market faster than ever. For life sciences companies, that means more projects are launching at the same time, and there's growing pressure to secure the right experts to keep progress on track. With niche roles to fill and tight timelines to meet, traditional staffing models often can’t keep up.

That’s why more organizations are embracing Functional Service Provision (FSP). It’s a smarter, more flexible way to build high-performing teams that can hit the ground running, without losing control over quality or outcomes. In this blog, we’ll explore how FSP works and why it’s helping life sciences companies scale up efficiently while staying focused on innovation.

What is a Functional Service Provision?

At its core, an FSP model provides dedicated teams that are embedded directly into your organization. These professionals support a specific function, like trial operations, validation, or lab management. However, they’re hired and managed by an external partner. That means your internal leaders can stay focused on strategy, while your FSP partner handles the day-to-day operations and delivery.

What sets an FSP apart from traditional outsourcing is the level of alignment. Unlike traditional outsourcing, where work is handed off entirely to an external provider, FSP teams operate under your direction and according to your standards. And unlike contract staffing, these are full-time, long-term professionals who are invested in the work and in your company’s success.

Download our eBook to learn more about Functional Service Provision – A Tailored Approach to Specialized Resourcing  

Why Life Sciences is Choosing FSP Over Traditional Models

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to hiring, but for many companies, FSP strikes the right balance of control, cost, and consistency.

1. Continuity Without the Chaos 

Turnover is a real problem in life sciences sector. When contractors roll off projects or switch clients midstream, progress slows. With an FSP model, you’re working with permanent employees who are fully dedicated to your team and your work. That means smoother handoffs, more stable teams, and fewer surprises.

2. Cost Control That Actually Works

If you’ve ever dealt with constant change orders or surprise markups, you know how frustrating traditional outsourcing can be. FSP models typically run on fixed costs and come in 15–20% lower than CROs, without sacrificing quality. Plus, because these are salaried employees with benefits, you avoid the high rates and short-term mindset that can come with independent contractors.

3. A Real Partnership, Not Just Another Vendor

FSP isn’t a plug-and-play solution. The right partner works closely with your team to understand your culture, your goals, and your internal processes. They provide the program leads and governance structure to keep things on track, but you still have full visibility and input. It's collaborative from day one.

4. Room to Scale, Without Starting Over

One of the biggest advantages of an FSP model is how easy it is to scale. Whether you’re expanding your portfolio, launching a new study, or pivoting to meet a regulatory deadline, your FSP partner can flex with you. That means, there’s no need to start fresh or rebuild teams from scratch.

How to Find the Right Functional Provider for Your Needs

Not all FSP providers are the same. The right one understands your business and brings the expertise you need without disrupting your workflow. It’s about finding a partner who aligns with your goals and knows how to address your specific needs, not just one with a large team.

A good FSP partner integrates seamlessly into your organization, acting as an extension of your internal team. They’ll provide full-time professionals who are dedicated to your projects, not contractors juggling multiple clients. They’ll focus on culture fit, align with your performance metrics, and stay transparent and accountable so you can focus on your work.

With Yoh’s Functional Service Provision, you get a flexible, tailored solution that drives success. We specialize in sourcing and managing expert teams across clinical research, regulatory compliance, and lab management. Our solutions deliver efficiency, continuity, and cost-effectiveness, so you can scale and maintain control while achieving measurable results.

To learn more about how an FSP can benefit your business, check out our eBook.