Consultancy
Commissioning the Center's scientific and laboratory expertise — with income directed back into research and subsidised services.
Expertise for hire, surplus to purpose
The Center holds scientific and laboratory expertise that other organisations occasionally need: method validation, analytical work, evaluation of a health programme, or advice on a technical problem. Making that available on a commissioned basis is a legitimate source of income.
Because we operate on a non-profit basis, consultancy income is directed back into research, facilities and subsidised services. It is one of the few funding sources we control directly, which makes it a useful counterweight to the unpredictability of grants.
What we can be commissioned for
Method validation
Analytical work
Programme evaluation
Technical advice
Evidence reviews
Training delivery
How we take consultancy work
Conditions that protect the Center's independence and reputation.
- We report what we find, whether or not it suits the commissioner
- We do not accept work conditioned on reaching a particular conclusion
- Scope, methods and deliverables are agreed in writing beforehand
- Any competing interest is declared before work begins
- Client confidentiality is respected within those limits
- We decline work that conflicts with our objectives
- Income is directed back into research and subsidised services
- We state clearly where a question falls outside our competence
Commission our expertise
Tell us what you need and we will confirm whether we can help, on what terms, and to what timescale.