The paragraphs below provide important information about Centre policies and procedures. They are written to address common concerns of new consultants. If, however, you have remaining questions, don’t hesitate to contact the director of operations or one of The Centre’s project managers.
ROLE OF CONSULTANT
ASSIGNMENTS
DOING THE WORK – values/expectations
BILLING
As a consultant, you will work on a contract basis to deliver a variety of services to our clients. The scope of work for each project will be clearly defined. Your primary Centre contact person will be the Project Manager for the specific project on which you are working.
While there are many Centre representatives involved in the process of designing a project scope, creating budgets and proposals, and managing invoicing an accounting, you are the linchpin between The Centre and our clients. The Centre values your experience and Judgment, and trusts you to apply both in the best interests of our clients and The Centre.
Occasionally, the original project scope will need to be amended or extended based on the evolution of the project, the client’s needs, or other factors. In such cases, consult with your Project Manager. Do not imply or make any verbal or other agreements or promises to Centre clients about changes to or extensions of the scope of services, or about pricing or other financial matters. All Client negotiations will be managed by The Centre.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consultants should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. The Centre’s clients expect consultants to
ENGAGEMENT
Consultants should strive to engage clients and participants at all stages of the project. The Centre’s clients expect consultants to
CURRICULUM & PEDAGOGY
Consultants should stay current with the constantly shifting trends of business, government, and academia, and with best practices for teaching, presenting, and coaching in the public sector. The Centre’s clients expect consultants to
CENTRE HALLMARKS
The Centre has established a brand that is built around enthusiasm and “high touch” personalized attention, all of which is represented in our products, our people, and our programs. Consultants play a pivotal role in maintaining The Centre brand and reputation.
Several hallmarks help distinguish The Centre.
USE OF THE CENTRE LOGO
The infinity symbol embedded in The Centre’s logo represents the idea that leadership is a skill that is both taught and learned on a continuum. It also represents the “C” in Centre, with a mirrored “C” the symbol of its clients who reflect similar values. Consultants should include The Centre logo on any handouts of materials included in their sessions. This includes using one of The Centre’s approved slide deck templates. The Centre logo should only be used in association with Centre projects.
PROJECT ASSIGNMENT
Consultants are assigned on a project-by-project basis. Several factors determine which consultant is assigned to a given project, chief among them the consultant’s alignment with the client’s needs. The consultant’s background, location, and availability may also play a role. The Centre cannot guarantee a given amount of work for any consultant.
SCHEDULE A
When you are selected for a project, your Project Manager will provide you with a “Schedule A.” The Schedule A outlines the specific scope of work and number of hours you are being contracted to provide, along with the pay rate and the expense reimbursement policies. Before starting work, you will be asked to review and approve the Schedule A. When you submit bills, they must align with the Schedule A (see the Billing section for more information).
PROJECT MANAGER
Each project on which you work will be coordinated by a Centre Project Manager who designs the project scope (often with your input), develops budgets, negotiates formal project proposals, and generally oversees the project’s progress. The Project Manager will be your primary Centre contact with regard to the delivery of services. If an issue arises on the project, such as an unexpected delay or a client development or request, contact your Project Manager for guidance. Communicate frequently with your Project Manager, and be certain to notify them as soon as you’ve completed the scope of work for a given project.
PROFESSIONALISM
Consultants should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. The Centre’s clients expect consultants to
ENGAGEMENT
Consultants should strive to engage clients and participants at all stages of the project. The Centre’s clients expect consultants to
CURRICULUM & PEDAGOGY
Consultants should stay current with the constantly shifting trends of business, government, and academia, and with best practices for teaching, presenting, and coaching in the public sector. The Centre’s clients expect consultants to
Each project on which you work will be coordinated by a Centre Project Manager who designs the project scope (often with your input), develops budgets, negotiates formal project proposals, and generally oversees the project’s progress. The Project Manager will be your primary Centre contact with regard to the delivery of services. If an issue arises on the project, such as an unexpected delay or a client development or request, contact your Project Manager for guidance. Communicate frequently with your Project Manager, and be certain to notify them as soon as you’ve completed the scope of work for a given project.
Consultants are assigned on a project-by-project basis. Several factors determine which consultant is assigned to a given project, chief among them the consultant’s alignment with the client’s needs. The consultant’s background, location, and availability may also play a role. The Centre cannot guarantee a given amount of work for any consultant.
When you are selected for a project, your Project Manager will provide you with a “Schedule A.” The Schedule A outlines the specific scope of work and number of hours you are being contracted to provide, along with the pay rate and the expense reimbursement policies. Before starting work, you will be asked to review and approve the Schedule A. When you submit bills, they must align with the Schedule A (see the Billing section for more information).
The Centre selects consultants based on their expertise and judgement, and we trust you to apply both in the service of our clients. Consultants often build close relationships with the Centre clients with whom they work. At the same time, The Centre must insist on managing the overall client relationship. Please do not arrange or agree to new scopes of work directly with a Centre client. If you believe that a project should be amended or extended, or if the Client approaches you to provide additional services, please contact your Project Manager so that we may negotiate directly with the client. The Centre will undoubtably rely on your input and include you in the discussions.
The Centre uses an online service called bill.com to manage its bill payment processes. If you have not already, you will receive an email invitation to register with bill.com. Registration is free and reasonably easy. Any invoice you submit will be entered into bill.com, reviewed by Centre staff, and remitted for electronic payment (i.e., your payment is electronically deposited into the bank account of your choice).
The Schedule A outlines the schedule on which you should submit invoices (e.g., once per month, upon project completion, etc.). Please pay close attention to this and submit your invoices promptly. Submit one invoice for each project (if you combine multiple projects on a single invoice and there is a question about one of those projects, the entire invoice will be held up).
Submit your invoices by email to The Centre’s accountant (please copy your Project Manager). You invoice must include the following information:
While internal factors such as particularly busy periods can delay payment, The Centre endeavors to pay invoices within two weeks of their receipt. Your cooperation is critical to us meeting this target. Consultant invoices that are submitted based on the guidelines above are quick and easy to process; those that are not may be delayed due to factors outside The Centre’s control.
The Centre is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), a legal organizational structure not unlike a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a JPA, the California Controller’s Office has designated The Centre as a special district, making The Centre a public sector agency – just like the clients we serve.