MLMN

A practical guide from MLMN

Use the checklist

Prepare a not-for-profit consulting brief

A consulting brief should explain the decision an organisation needs to make. Start with the problem and constraints before choosing a workshop, report or ongoing engagement.

Checklist

  1. Describe the issue, who is affected and what has already been tried. Separate symptoms from possible causes, marking assumptions that need investigation.

  2. List the information available, the people who need to contribute and the time or budget constraints. Avoid including personal service-user data in an initial enquiry unless an appropriate process has been agreed.

  3. Ask for a clear scope, deliverables, responsibilities and review points. Specify how the organisation will decide whether the work has helped, and who can approve changes.

Questions and answers

Should the brief prescribe the solution?

Explain the outcome you need while leaving room to assess the problem. A consultant can propose methods, but the organisation should understand what will be done and what remains outside scope before agreeing to the work.