Consultancy working
The University has a set policy on how consultancy is set up and managed.
Consultancy work carried out through the University is primarily for academic staff. However, in some circumstances it may be appropriate for non-academic staff and students to provide support on projects whilst under supervision.
Before any arrangement is confirmed, there are a number of important rules that apply and approvals which must be obtained.
For support and guidance through the process, please contact Julie Chambers j.chambers@bath.ac.uk, the Consultancy Services Officer within Research & Innovation Services.
Non-academic staff
The University consultancy policy identifies certain non-academic staff who may be able to carry out consultancy.
Providing the following rules are observed, you may be able to provide support to academics on consultancy projects:
approval must be obtained from the Head of Department and Academic Consultant (Principal Investigator)
the Consultancy Services Officer must be engaged via the Academic Consultant
you must expressly agree to conduct the assignment and abide by any confidentiality terms
the assignment must be outside the core duties of your substantive contract
the assignment must be short-term with clear start and end dates
the assignment must be conducted outside your normal working hours
the Working Time Regulations legislation must be adhered to − your total weekly working hours (standard substantive contractual hours plus any additional hours, for example from the consultancy assignment) should not exceed 48 when averaged over a 17 week period
for research staff, the terms and conditions of your grant should permit you to do external work
Payment for non-academic staff
The fee payable for the assignment will be determined by the Academic Consultant as part of the project budgeting process. This will be included on the Consultancy Costings & Approval Form (CCAF) under ‘payment to support staff’. The CCAF is used by Finance to set-up the project on the Finance system and allocate a consultancy project code against which this staff cost can be deducted.
The fee as quoted in the project budget (CCAF) will be inclusive of Employers National Insurance, which is deducted by Payroll at the point of payment.
The fee is pensionable (unless you have opted out of the pension scheme). For payment of the fee, a timesheet should be completed and authorised by the Academic Consultant. Either the Head of Department or Faculty Finance Officer should also countersign the form before submission. Once complete, the form should be sent to Emma Hoar, Finance Office at e.l.hoar@bath.ac.uk to process for payment.
Students
Postgraduate and undergraduate students may be able to provide support on consultancy projects subject to the following:
approval must be obtained from the Academic Consultant and the Student Supervisor
the Consultancy Services Officer must be engaged via the Academic Consultant
the individual student must expressly agree to conduct the assignment and abide by any confidentiality terms
they must be engaged in the usual way for hourly paid work through your HR Operations Coordinator from Human Resources
Payment for students
The appropriate hourly rate of pay will be determined by the Consultancy Services Officer or Academic Consultant in accordance with the University’s casual pay rates.
The total estimated amount payable is included in the project budget (CCAF) under ‘payment to student’ inclusive of Employers’ National Insurance. The CCAF form will be completed by the Academic Consultant. The CCAF is used by Finance to set up the project on the Finance system and allocates a consultancy project code against which this staff cost can be deducted. The Academic Consultant will be informed of the project code.
In order to pay the student, a Casual Workers Timesheet should be completed and approved for the hours worked on the assignment, and the project code assigned to the form. Timesheets need to be submitted to the Payroll Office for payment.
The fee is pensionable (unless the student has opted out of the pension scheme).