The University is pleased to announce significant updates to its Consultancy Policy as of 1 August 2024. This is aimed at improving financial sustainability, supporting Knowledge Exchange, and clarifying expectations for staff members of grade 7 and above as outlined in the new policy. These changes, which follow a comprehensive internal review.

Key Updates

  • Expanded Eligibility: Professional Services and Technical and Experimental staff (Grade 7 and above) are now included in the policy, allowing them to engage in consultancy projects with appropriate approvals
  • Financial Clarity: The policy now ensures the University’s costs are recovered before any financial residuals are distributed to staff members
  • Flexible Options: Academic staff can choose to conduct consultancy within or outside the Workload Allocation Management System (WAMS), with clear guidelines for each approach
  • Improved Forms: The Consultancy Costing and Approval Form (CCAF) has been updated to reflect these changes, with separate versions for WAMS and non-WAMS projects
  • Private Consultancy Guidelines: The policy now provides new procedures for private consultancy, emphasizing staff responsibilities and potential disciplinary actions for non-compliance
  • Streamlined Processes: Updated flowcharts are provided for both University and Private Consultancy in order to provide greater clarity on procedures

These changes aim to create more opportunities for staff engagement in consultancy work while ensuring transparency and compliance with university regulations. The revised policy supports our commitment to Knowledge Exchange and reinforces our position in the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).

We encourage staff to familiarise themselves with the updated policy, which is now available on the University website.

Professor Jonathan Knight, Vice-President for Enterprise, says:

These changes are intended to offer opportunities for a wider range of staff to undertake University consultancy projects, as well as ensuring that Consultancy income is used to support departmental activities wherever possible. We hope that by clarifying the role of Consultancy within the University and the rules regarding its proper conduct, colleagues will feel confident to engage in this valuable aspect of the University’s enterprise activity.

Julie Chambers, Consultancy Services Manager, says:

Consultancy is an excellent route for Knowledge Exchange activities which has proven to stimulate longer term Research Development and early-stage impact, generating further research collaborations, studentships, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Drawing upon your knowledge and expertise, it can enhance your career trajectory and allow you to gain experience with external organisations.

For questions or clarifications, please contact Julie Chamber, Consultancy Services Manager: jc277@bath.ac.uk.