Independent consultancy to Higher and Further Education and Research

The way we work

 

All our work is based on a set of values.  Our values also apply to any others that we work with in carrying out work for our clients.

 

  1. We are open with our clients.
  2. We endeavour to deliver our best quality of work to our clients.
  3. We are committed to care and thoroughness in all our work.
  4. All our work is subject to our own continuing critical appraisal, which raises its quality.
  5. We look to provide consultation, involvement and co-ownership.   
  6. At the start of a piece of work, we agree the work’s content with the client.
  7. We use regular project review meetings to keep our clients fully informed of progress as well as to guide us in our work.
  8. When a project is underway, we retain an understanding and flexible attitude towards any content changes sought by the client.
  9. We strive to collect an evidence base that is both comprehensive and robust before conclusions are drawn. As examples, we always aim to contact the full range of stakeholders that are found to have an interest in the outcomes of the work. If a service is being reviewed, we always attempt to survey sufficient customers to form a reliable picture of success in delivery and support. Where appropriate, non-using potential customers are also surveyed.
  10. When gathering evidence, we use processes that are transparent to those with whom we are working. For example, when collecting evidence from stakeholders or customers, before contact is made with sources we obtain agreement with our clients as to whether or not sources’ evidence is to be confidential to us: we inform sources of this before their evidence is sought. Before sources are interviewed, they are given a briefing note that describes the aims of the work and the topics that we wish to discuss.
  11. We involve clients closely when options for the future or draft recommendations are being prepared. We normally test these with stakeholders before reports are written.

 

In summary, we believe the care and thoroughness we give to our work is reflected in all the deliverables we provide, from the initial proposal to the final report. We have an excellent record for delivering results to our clients within the deadlines we have agreed with them.