Consultant definition

Firms or individuals recognised as experts on a particular niche or topic. Consultants are generally brought into businesses in order to guide organisational change, or address a particular problem or need, in the most efficient way possible

Internal consultants are employed by a company and sit within a particular department, but are available throughout the organisation to offer advice and expertise. External consultants are separate to the company and are typically professional individuals or employed by a dedicated consultancy firm.

HR consultants are consultants with general HR expertise or around a particular sub-set, such as employee engagement, who help businesses guide their overall HR strategy or address a problem in the workplace, such as lack of motivation. HR consultants are typically individuals or small firms.

Other types of consultants are strategy consultants, who work alongside senior leaders to improve business strategy, and marketing consultants, who advise on getting the most out of new and existing products.