A new ISO management consultancy standard is in development to help consultancies and their clients achieve the best from their consultancy projects.
ISO 20700, Guidelines for management consultancy services, aims to improve transparency and understanding between clients and management consultancy service providers, in order to achieve better results from consultancy projects.
The standard is currently under development and has just reached the Draft International Standard stage. The final version is expected to be published by early 2017.
Appropriate application of the standard is expected to enable management consultancy service providers to provide better value for clients and reduce risk in management consultancy assignments.
By improving the quality, professionalism, and interoperability of management consultancy, ISO 20700 is intended to enhance the effectiveness of the management consultancy industry and accelerate the development of the profession.
Robert Bodenstein, chair of project committee ISO/PC 280 that is developing the standard, said the standard is based on the research and experience of a wide range of consultancies and their clients. Bodenstein also commented that the standard features recommendations to improve the specification and delivery of management consultancy services.
“The standard will offer best practice guidance to both parties, ensuring everyone is clear on what is required for an effective and efficient consultancy process, the objectives and their own responsibilities,” Bodenstein said. “This will enable organizations to get better results from their consultancies and for consultancies in turn to better demonstrate the value they can offer.”
Dr Ilse Ennsfellner, leader of the committee’s task group that helped develop the standard, said the benefit of the standard will become more apparent once it is published and in use.
“As with all ISO standards, the greater the use of the standard, the more it will benefit the industry, by promoting best practice amongst consultants and clients, and transparency for all.”
Interested parties are invited to make comments on the draft by contacting their national ISO member.