consultancy services for registered providers

why you may want assistance
Registered Providers face diverse and sometimes highly complex issues and using external help can often be the quickest and more effective solution. We therefore offer a selection of consultancy services which have been devised especially for Registered Providers, delivered by our not for profit specialists to help in specialised areas which we believe are particularly important. The following sets out our consultancy services to Registered Providers.

improving financial reporting
There are many demands on the sector to improve its financial reporting. Drivers include the need for close financial monitoring in tight budgetary situations and the requirements of finance providers. High quality financial reporting combined with appropriate measurement can greatly improve performance. 

guidance on strategic and operational planning
Boards are responsible for the strategic direction of the Registered Provider, although it is normally the executive management who are responsible for the detailed work. It is important that Registered Providers produce robust strategic plans supported by effective operational plans. You may need help to improve or set up your planning systems, or help in critiquing and accrediting your plans.

governance
Effective governance is vital to meet the challenges in the sector.  It encompasses a range of subjects from evaluation of the composition of Trustee boards and committee structures to reporting to Trustees. A review of your governance arrangements may prove very valuable.

benchmarking
Comparisons with other similar organisations can indicate areas for improvement. You may wish to have assistance in benchmarking your activities and then help with improving your performance in weaker areas. We have considerable experience of undertaking benchmarking exercises.

management of change
Change in the Finance Department or elsewhere in the organisation always presents major challenges. We can assist you with managing change effectively as well as advising on what changes would be most valuable. In particular, we can review the efficiency and effectiveness of your finance department.

help with mergers
In the context of mergers there are many areas to consider together with due diligence to carry out. You may require our assistance to ensure the right areas are considered and that the due diligence is appropriate and properly performed.

internal audit services
Large Registered Providers are expected to have an internal audit function. Many smaller providers are considering whether they need internal audit and how to set it up. This requires consideration of the benefits of an internal audit function, the resources required and the various options for the service provision. We provide internal audit services, both as a fully outsourced service or liaising with internally employed staff and also ad hoc reviews as required.

consideration of your risk assessment process
Whilst risk assessment has been good practice for many years, there are many Registered Providers who are not getting the full benefit from the process and where the process perhaps needs reconsideration. This involves looking at best practice, assessing your methodology and considering how the process can be made most effective and beneficial to the organisation rather than a mere paper exercise.

recruiting the key members of your finance team
Getting the right people in your finance team is vital. We can assist you with the interview and recruitment process to help ensure the best decision is reached.

measuring performance
Measuring the performance of your organisation is important for both external reporting and to influence future activities. This requires identifying the main measures and establishing the reporting framework.

who will deliver the services
Our consultancy services are delivered by our not for profit team:

• specialist partners and managers. We have a group of ten partners and eleven managers who work extensively in the not for profit sector but who also have wider experience to draw on. A number of them also work in the sector as Trustees.
• experienced staff all of whom work in the sector