Whether you are developing a strategic, business or marketing plan, conducting a training review, planning your information and communications technology needs or designing a community facility - engaging a consultant may help in the following circumstances:

  • If you need expert advice
  • When you don't have enough people to do the work
  • If attempts to do something internally haven't worked
  • To help move past internal differences of opinion
  • When you need a fresh view
  • To challenge your organisation’s culture and assumptions

Choose a consultant who is recommended by others and has a proven track record in providing relevant, high quality advice. They should also have the ability to offer fresh ideas and someone who understands your organisation, its work and values so that they may add value by sharing and building skills with your staff.

We encourage any grants customers seeking to identify potential consultants who may be able to work on their projects to contact others in their own networks, which may include peak bodies, for any suggestions or recommendations.

Other helpful tips:

  • Don’t hire a consultant to justify a decision that has already been made
  • Make sure everyone in your organisation understands what the consultant is doing and what will be provided
  • Provide a clear written brief to the consultant before engaging them outlining what you want done and why
  • Make sure you agree what you want the consultant to deliver, together with a defined timeframe
  • Check the contract before you sign and engage the consultant
  • Be prepared to modify the contract if circumstances change
  • Use the contract as a reference point to make sure you receive what you have agreed before making a final payment

Common Use Agreements (CUAs) are whole-of-government standing offers. They are awarded to a single or panel of suppliers to provide goods or services commonly used by government agencies. Western Australian public authorities, other government entities, local government authorities and registered Public Benevolent Institutions can buy from CUA suppliers. Your organisation may be in a position to benefit from CUA arrangements. Find out more here.

The Connecting Up Suppliers Directory connects Not-For-Profit organisations with IT providers. Visit Connecting Up for more information.

Grants