Consultancy Guidelines

In the download section to your right, please see guidance for anyone considering undertaking consultancy with external agents.

The guidance is based on The University of Sheffield financial directives and Research and Innovation Services regulations but it may not cover all individual circumstances. 

If you are unsure of any aspect of the process, please contact Mr. Chris Day (c.a.day@sheffield.ac.uk) or Research and Innovation Services (ris@sheffield.ac.uk).

Consultancy Update October 2012

After a recent internal audit, Finance have updated the rules on staff undertaking consultancy activity. The major changes which come into effect on October 1st 2012 include:

1. Must involve RIS at an early stage and definitely prior to engaging in any consultancy.

2. RIS will issue a standard University of Sheffield Terms and Conditions for projects with a value below £10K. Client issued contracts will not be considered by RIS. RIS will be available for help with contracts above £10K where required. This new initiative will help reduce the sign-off periods.

3. Agreements made by academic staff with clients without a University consultancy agreement in place in advance of work starting are to be taken as private consultancy.

4. Consultancy rates have been reviewed after a 10 year period with the following daily rate recommendations : Lect £540, SL: £600, Band 2 Prof £774. A sliding scale calculator based on salary levels is available at the following link: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ris/other/consultancy/dayrate

The consultancy office will communicate directly with staff who have a consultancy record to ensure they are aware.

The daily rate calculator does not cover Professorial rates. These can be checked by the Pricing Team on an individual basis through URMS if required but RIS are happy for academics to charge over and above the recommended minimum.