Process for consultancy

Working with outside bodies

All consultancy work falls under the University policy on Working with Outside Bodies, and must adhere to this policy.

Departmental guidelines

Some Departments have guidelines on consultancy, and can offer support at a Departmental level to academics wishing to undertake consultancy. Always check with your Department before undertaking any consultancy work.

Departmental approval

It is expected that all academics will gain approval for consultancy work from their Head of Department (see individual Departmental policies for further clarification by Department). A Head of Department may refuse the request if he or she identifies issues of risk or conflict of interest. If the consultancy is being undertaken via University systems then the Management Accountant will also need to have signed off the costing and pricing of the project.

Use of institutional facilities

If the consultancy is being undertaken in a private capacity, academics must not make use of Departmental or University facilities. If the consultancy requires the use of the University’s facilities then the academic must undertake the consultancy as University consultancy and ensure the Management Accountant has costed access to the facilities appropriate to the project.

Conflicts of interest

Any consultancy work undertaken must be reported on the Register of Interests, which should be updated as interests arise. All academics must adhere to the guidelines and procedures for declaration of interests and avoiding conflicts

Use of computing facilities

Academics are expected to work within Regulation 11, Use of Computing Facilities. IT Services have comprehensive Guidelines to the Regulations for the Use of Computing Facilities to accompany this Regulation which ensure any potential issues around data confidentiality, data security, and use of third party licences are correctly addressed.