How to hire consultants in the public sector

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, public sector organisations often require specialised expertise to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful change. 

From regulatory compliance to budget constraints, the public sector faces unique challenges while being tasked with delivering more and improved services. Procuring professional services consultants can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve these goals. 

Consultants bring a wealth of experience and an external perspective that can be invaluable in addressing these issues, helping with strategic planning, process optimisation, technology implementation, and more. 

Organisations can discover how to effectively bring in consultancy by following these processes:

• Identify the need: Clearly define the problem or opportunity that requires solving. This could range from improving operational efficiency to implementing new technologies or managing large-scale projects.

• Define the scope: Outline the specific objectives, deliverables, and timelines you are looking to achieve. A well-defined scope ensures all parties have a clear understanding of expectations and sets the project up for success.

• Sourcing the right consultant: Utilising a professional services framework simplifies the procurement process and grants you access to a comprehensive marketplace of specialist consultants. The framework provider can work with you to consider the expertise, approach and cultural fit needed while giving you a quick and compliant route to market.

• Evaluation: With the Procurement Act 2023 comes the move away from simply procuring the cheapest deal. A professional services framework provider can help you consider the overall value, including social value and sustainability, of your supply chain and extend access to more SME consultancies. 

• Manage the engagement: Inefficient contract and supplier relationship management can lead to lost value. Establish clear communication channels and governance structures to monitor progress and address any issues promptly. Regular check-ins and progress reports are essential for successful project delivery.

How Consultancy+ can support you

Consultancy+ are the sole provider on YPO’s 1141 framework for managing consultancy and professional services. They specialise in connecting the public sector with the right consultants. Follow the steps below to let us help you bring consultancies into your public sector organisation. 

1. Triage: Reach out to our team to discuss your consultancy needs. C+ can help you define the scope and deliverables for your project to ensure the optimal route to market is engaged.  

2. Solution design: C+ will work closely with you to understand your unique requirements and tailor their services to meet your objectives and timelines. This may range from direct award to named suppliers, to open tenders. 

3. Review and select:  C+’s extensive network of over 1,000 consultancy suppliers offers deep expertise across various categories of spend, ensuring you have access to the best resources for your specific needs. Their supply chain includes access to small and medium suppliers, as well as large enterprises. If the right supplier isn’t already in their marketplace, they can onboard in as little as 24 hours.

4. Kick-off the project: Once the consultant is selected, C+ can facilitate the kick-off meeting and ensure all parties are aligned on the project objectives and timelines.

5. Monitor progress: C+ will provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure the project stays on track and delivers the desired outcomes. Through their spend management platform, they can provide comprehensive data and insights into your consultancy spend and capture, measure, and report on social value.

6. Close the project: At the conclusion of the project, C+ will work closely with both you and the supplier to assess the project delivery. This includes evaluating the outcomes against the initial objectives, gathering feedback from all stakeholders, and identifying any lessons learned. This step ensures the project has met its goals and provides valuable insights for future engagements.

By following these steps, you can effectively bring consultancy into the public sector and drive meaningful change. In addition, through our partnership with YPO under the Managing Consultancy and Professional Services (1141) Framework, we can offer Public Sector organisations the opportunity to procure all of these services through one compliant framework route. 

Contact [email protected] today to learn more about how they can support your organisation’s goals.