Using Consultants Effectively

Consultants are regularly used by research organisations and by funders. The complexity and shifting political and legal demands placed on higher education, the development of new technologies, the constraints on capacity, and the impact of major global events have all seen universities seek short-term specialist expertise. Consultants might provide expert advice, external corroboration, or supplement organisational capacity. 

Topics on which consultants might be used include: reviews of office structures and operations; interim cover or short-term capacity enhancement; REF advice or support; systems implementation; review of schemes. 

With consultants being increasingly used, the selection, commissioning and management process is an important part of one’s skill set. The potential costs of failing to frame the work correctly can be significant in terms of both time and budget. 

Making best use of external resources such as consultants requires planning and execution. We have observed that, as consultants, we are not always used as effectively as we might, whether as a consequence of a poor specification, or a lack of engagement or control. 

On the 7 May 2024 (14:00 – 16:00), ARMA will be running an online workshop entitled ‘Using Consultants Effectively‘.

The purpose of the workshop is to enable participants to:

o   Assess where the use of external resources can add value to the organisation and/or the individual.

o   Design a consultancy assignment and draft terms of reference.

o   Estimate the likely time and cost required to deliver the envisaged piece of work.

o   Identify pitfalls and risks that an external engagement could entail and identify how to mitigate such risks.

o   Select a suitable external organisation or individual consultant to deliver the work required including establishing review criteria for bids received.

o   Manage external consultants efficiently and maximise the benefit of their input.

o   Make use of the consultants’ outputs.

Click here to find out more or to register.