What is Consultancy?

1. HEIF (Higher Education Innovation Fund) definition

Consultancy is understood to be the provision of expert advice and work which, while it may involve a degree of analysis, measurement or testing, is crucially dependent on a high degree of intellectual input from the HEI [UCL] to the client (commercial or non-commercial) without the creation of new knowledge (although new understanding is the main desired impact). Such work is usually paid for at a market rate, and may (if relevant) deliver stronger IP rights to the business client than would apply in a collaborative research relationship.

2. The Results of the services are usually owned by the client.

3. HMRC Guidelines

Consultancy and Services Rendered activities will have some of the following features:

• The application of existing knowledge rather than the creation of new knowledge.
  
  

• Focused on the customer’s specific business or products.
  
  

• In line with similar services provided by the private sector.
  
  

• Financial structure that recovers in excess of the salary and direct costs and a reasonable proportion of overheads.
  
  

• Client confidentiality is a key factor.
  

“However, it should be noted that each case depends on its own facts and if there is a commercial purpose alongside the research purpose which is not legitimately incidental then the activity should be included in the non-primary, purpose trade [not be classified as research].”

For further information on UCL's policy on Private consultancy work, please consult the UCL Consultancy Guidelines (UCL Finance) here.