Consultancy CNSL

Providing advice and recommendations, based on expertise and experience, to address client needs.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Updates for SFIA 9

There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions).
Readability improvements have been made to levels 4, 5, 6, and 7.
You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping may be impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Consultancy may deal with one specialist subject area, or be wide ranging and address strategic business issues. May also include support for the implementation of any agreed solutions.

Activities include — but are not limited to:

leading and managing a consultancy practice
leading and managing consultancy teams and/or consultancy assignments
delivering consultancy assignments.

The Consultancy skill defined in SFIA applies to the delivery of consultancy as part of formal or informal consultancy agreements.

SFIA describes the general provision of advice, guidance or problem solving related to an individual's responsibilities by:

the responsibilities described by the SFIA generic attributes
the SFIA professional skill descriptions which make reference to providing advice and guidance.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Consultancy: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Takes responsibility for elements of a larger consulting engagement.

Collaborates with clients as part of formal or informal consultancy engagements. Understands client requirements by collecting data and delivering analysis.

Works collaboratively to develop and implement solutions. Seeks to address client needs within the defined scope of responsibility.

Ensures that proposed solutions are properly understood and appropriately exploited.

Consultancy: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Takes responsibility for understanding client requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis and problem resolution.

Identifies, evaluates and recommends options.

Collaborates with, and facilitates stakeholder groups, as part of formal or informal consultancy agreements. Seeks to fully address client needs and implements solutions if required.

Enhances the capabilities and effectiveness of clients, by ensuring that proposed solutions are fully understood and appropriately exploited.

Consultancy: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Manages the provision of consultancy services and/or a team of consultants.

In own areas of expertise, provides advice and guidance to consultants and/or the client when delivering consultancy services.

Engages with clients and maintains client relationships.

Establishes consultancy agreements/contracts and manages completion and disengagement.

Consultancy: Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Directs the strategy and operations for a significant consultancy practice.

Oversees practice development, proposals, sales, account management and the delivery of consultancy services over a wide range of topics.