UoR Consultancy
What is consultancy?
Apply your expertise. Solve real-world problems. Create impact.
Have you ever been approached by a business, public body, or third-sector organisation asking for your advice or specialist input? If so, you may already be doing what the University defines as consultancy - applying your existing knowledge and expertise to help an external client solve a specific problem, for a fee.
At the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app, consultancy is a valuable route for academic and professional services staff to create real-world impact by using their skills beyond the boundaries of research and teaching. ±õ³Ù’s not about generating new knowledge but about translating what you already know into solutions that matter. Whether you're offering a technical opinion, shaping strategy, or advising on policy, consultancy puts your expertise to work in a focused, time-limited way.
How can I benefit from undertaking consultancy activity?
You may receive a personal fee (with the agreement of your School or Directorate), but the rewards go far beyond financial. Consultancy can offer:
-
Exciting new collaborations, bringing fresh perspectives to your research and teaching.
-
Career development, networking, and recognition.
-
A powerful way to demonstrate the social, economic, and environmental value of what we do, potentially seeding REF Impact Case Studies and contributing to the University’s broader innovation mission.
How can consultancy activity benefit the University?
Consultancy benefits the University by strengthening relationships with external organisations, enhancing our reputation, and supporting additional income streams. It bolsters our case for future investment in research, innovation, and impact-related activities. Consultancy plays a key role in helping the University deliver on its mission and demonstrate the real-world relevance of its work.
If you’ve been approached by a potential client, or want to explore how your expertise might be promoted for consultancy, the Knowledge Exchange & External Partnerships (KEEP) team is here to support you every step of the way - from shaping your proposal and pricing it appropriately, to handling approvals, contracts and payments.
Within their contractual obligations, staff may be permitted to carry out up to 40 days of consultancy per academic year, with a maximum of 20 days allocated to Private Consultancy.
Who can undertake consultancy?
Consultancy is open to all staff — not just academics. Technical and professional services colleagues can also contribute their expertise through consultancy projects.
What isn’t consultancy?
Some activities, while externally engaged, are not considered consultancy. These include:
-
External examining
-
Participation in assessment panels (e.g. REF)
-
Committee memberships (e.g. UKRI panels)
-
Editorial board roles
These are typically part of core university activity and are not managed as University consultancy, even if they involve a fee.
What are the main types of consultancy completed at the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app
- University Consultancy: Managed through the institution, using University branding, resources, and contractual support. It is subject to institutional oversight and may involve revenue sharing.
- Private Consultancy: Conducted by staff in a personal capacity, independent of the University. It must not use the University’s name, University job title, intellectual property, or facilities, and must not affect your university duties.
- Consultancy Centre – Bigger projects with teams of consultants that don’t involve additional payment to the consultants.
Detailed information on the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥app Consultancy service can be found in our Consultancy policy.