Become a NCVO approved consultant

"The use of the NCVO approved consultants logo on our marketing materials has acted as a valued independent endorsement of the high quality services we offer to the sector. NCVO members really do use the Directory of Approved Consultants to source consultants and we have received a number of new business enquiries generated from this."
Paul Stirrat, Sayer Vincent

• Why become a NCVO approved consultant
• How do I apply?
• How much will my listing cost?
• Contact us
• Frequently asked questions

Why become an NCVO approved consultant?

We insist on the highest standards of delivery from approved consultants, striving for quality over quantity. Our members tell us the Directory of Approved Consultants is the key resource when choosing consultants. 

As an approved consultant you are:

• able to use the widely recognised Approved Consultants logo on your promotional materials
• promoted in a printed guide, which is sent to our member organisations each year and sold in our online publications shop.
• added to our searchable online directory, which is visited by over 3,500 people each month.
• considered first when we have need for external support.
• signposted to by the NCVO Helpdesk.
• featured in Essential Resources, a guide to NCVO member products and services, sent out three times a year.

"I think the NCVO Approved Consultant logo is invaluable for displaying on my website and when submitting proposals. It's the nearest thing we've got to a quality mark! Some clients have definitely found me via the Approved Consultants Directory, and others simply find the display of the up-to-date logo on my website is an important reassurance for them."
Tamara Essex, Tamara Essex Consultancy

How do I apply?

To receive approved status, you must be committed to providing a high quality service and share our organisational values. The application requires a supporting statement in each of the following areas:

• Operational standards – your organisation's mission, values and aims, as well as evidence that your work complies with equal opportunities legislation.
• Contract capability – the expertise and resources you have to deliver a high quality service on any work you are contracted for.
• Delivery process – the procedures and systems you have in place for achieving positive outcomes.
• Delivery and output evaluation – how you actively seek feedback on processes and outcomes of your work.
• Continuous improvement – training and development activities undertaken to develop yourself and your services.

Applying for the first time? Complete our Directory of Approved Consultants online application form.

We aim to let you know if your application has been successful within a week. Your approved status will take effect immediately – if you have not yet completed payment we will issue you with an invoice (payable within 30 days of issue).

If you need more information take a look at our consultants’ FAQs or contact Greg dac@ncvo-vol.org.uk.

How much will my listing cost?

We understand that budgets are tighter than ever, which is why we've frozen all our approved consultant rates at 2010 prices:

• £200 + VAT for individuals and sole traders
• £300 + VAT for organisations with a turnover up to £500,000
• £400 + VAT for organisations with a turnover greater than £500,000

NCVO members* receive a 50% discount on their entry.
*For more information about NCVO's corporate membership scheme, visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/corporate

How can I pay?

We accept payment by credit/debit card, or you can request an invoice (payable within 30 days of issue).

Contact us

If you have any questions about becoming an approved consultant, please contact Greg at dac@ncvo-vol.org.uk. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please provide as much information as possible so we can deal with your query quickly and effectively.

Other frequently asked questions

These are some of the most common questions we are asked by consultants, if you don’t find what you are looking for here, contact Greg dac@ncvo-vol.org.uk

How long does my entry last?

Entries last one year, starting from the date your application is approved and published on the website. A month before your entry is due to expire you will receive an email inviting you to reapply for the coming year.

When will I appear in the printed version of the Directory?

For each year of approval, you will appear in one printed edition of the Directory. The Directory of Approved Consultants is published around May each year (so if you were approved in June 2013, you would appear in the 2014 printed Directory.)

I haven’t featured in the Directory before. How do I apply?

Complete the application form at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/dacform.

We aim to inform you whether your application has been successful via email within five working days.

I am an existing approved consultant. Do I have to resubmit an application every year?

Yes. A month before your entry is due to expire, you will receive an email inviting you to reapply for the coming year. You don't need to start your application from scratch – your current entry can be found by logging in to the NCVO website and accessing the My account page.

There is a link to your entry on the right-hand side, under the heading Recent posts. Here you can view your current entry. Click the Edit tab to make any amendments, then check the Terms and Conditions box and click Submit application.

Some entries have company logos and promotional brochures. How do I add these?

You will be given the option to add a company logo and/or a document of your choice (at a cost of £50 each + VAT) when you complete your application. Your logo will appear in both the online and print editions of the Directory; any documents you upload will be accessible online only.

Applying for the first time? Complete our Directory of Approved Consultants online application form.