1. Outline of Terms of Reference Document
February 2012
The Terms of Reference does not need to be a lengthy document (i.e. one or
two pages of A4), but it should include the following;
(1). A statement of the overall project objective.
This may be a single statement (e.g. ‘To establish the commercial feasibility of
pursuing a regional growth strategy’), or composite (e.g. ‘To evaluate the
company’s current marketing, identify its strengths and weaknesses, to
identify a better method to deliver the brand message to appropriate market
segments’). In addition, a short presentation of the client should be included
as regards location, size in terms of number of employees and turn-over, and
value proposition.
(2). A subdivision of project work into either chronologically
sequenced stages OR logical components to be completed
separately though concurrently.
Where appropriate the project should be divided into phases, with each phase
representing the work required to fulfil the overall project objective or a sub
aim of the project.
(3). Timeframes and project milestones should be identified.
You must each identify the available time you have to deliver the consultancy
(i.e. the equivalent of chargeable man hours), and the timing of your individual
and group interventions. You also need to work out a division of labour
between yourselves to ensure that all required work is completed on time.
This planning procedure should be shown in the Terms of Reference.
(4). Access and co-ordination details.
The client should also assist by indicating which members of their
organisation will be involved and for which components or stages of the
project. An overall Project Owner should be identified on the client side so
that the project team have a consistent point of contact. The extent of access
to company information (where required) should be organised up-front – who
is responsible, what limitations are there, etc.
(5). Confidentiality clause.
The Terms of Reference should include an agreement, if required, that all
information dealt with is company confidential and must be treated with the
utmost discretion.

2. (6). Statement of Procedures
If your project requires some out-of-pocket expenses, please discuss with
your client and indicate how and when such sums will be reimbursed.
(7). Statement of Output
This refers to the type of report that is required by the client. For example, the
client may wish a feasibility study or a piece of market research. The client
may require an evaluation of costs, staffing requirements or technology
choices or whatever is necessary to fulfil a strategic plan that you are devising
for them. Details of what is required to support the attainment of objectives
should be made clear under this section of the Terms of Reference.
Please try to make conclusions and their rationale clear. We believe that it is
impossible to reach a clear conclusion without a good understanding of the
product or service offered. We will expect to see a clear articulation of the
client’s value proposition in the report.
Once again, please remember that you will draw up the Terms of Reference
with your client’s help and advice. This document is intended to establish a
clear working relationship between the client and your group. If priorities
change during the project and the Terms of Reference need to be modified,
with the agreement of your client, this is acceptable as long as Aidan
Hetherington is notified of any changes in writing prior to the handing in of the
project.