Consultants

For your organisation to benefit from using a consultant or a facilitator you need to be clear about what you want them to do and the end results that you expect - for example, a strategic plan for the next three years. Take your time to find a consultant with the right experience and skills, and with a good working knowledge of the voluntary sector. To work effectively the consultant will need accurate information about the organisation. You must be prepared to talk honestly about problems and reassure those participating that they can talk openly.

Plan the process with the consultant: how long it will take, how the management committee, staff, volunteers and service users will be involved, and how the consultant will report back. It's helpful to draw up an agreement that details each party's obligations and specifies fees. It should also allow for regular assessments of the work in progress and specify what happens after the plan is completed, for example, whether the consultant will give phone advice after their formal involvement has finished.

Find out more about other strategic planning issues and examples in the In more depth section.