Consultancy is an interesting and challenging career option. It can be a particularly attractive option for experienced chemical scientists, in mid to late career, when they have built up a substantial body of expertise.
Chemical science consultants can offer services across a wide range of technical fields and associated areas, including:
- management
- business development and marketing
- people development
- organisational strategy and policy
- legal services
- health and safety
Like all career options, consultancy has its pros and cons. The benefits include a more flexible working pattern, greater autonomy and using your expertise to help other organisations succeed. Some drawbacks are risk of isolation, reduced networks and fewer opportunities for professional development.
On this page
How we can support you
Our resources
A successful consultant needs more than technical expertise – business skills, such as financial management and negotiating, a focus on customer service and the ability to market yourself are also key to success. We provide a number of professional resources to help members who are, or are considering becoming, consultants.
Networking & development
Our interest group runs a regular programme of networking and professional development events, and hosts an online discussion forum. It's a great source of support and expertise you can tap into if you are already a consultant or are considering becoming one; the group warmly welcomes new members.
Consultancy guide & workbook
A Guide to Consultancy is available free of charge to any member on request. It comes with a personal workbook to record your progress. Contact us using the details on this page for further information.
Webinars
Members of the Consultancy Group committee talked through their experiences and passed on useful tips for beginners in one of our . You need to register to access this free content. Our may also be helpful.
Directory of Consultants
For established consultants, we’ve launched our Directory of Consultants. This is a signposting service designed to enable anyone looking for chemistry – and related – expertise to identify members who may be able to provide the services they need.
Discounts
We have negotiated discounts on professional indemnity insurance.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Finding the time to set aside for CPD and keep yourself up to date with developments in your field can be a challenge when you're running your own business. Make the most of your RSC membership by joining the most relevant Divisions and Interest Groups for your area of expertise. They all run programmes of events and provide opportunities to keep you in touch with your specialist area. Discounts are also available on our .
Recording and planning your CPD
To help consultants with planning and recording their professional development, we provide an online system where you can create your own personal professional development plan. This is a great way to reflect on whether you have the right skills needed to succeed as a consultant and to identify skills gaps that need working on. You can set goals for yourself, and log your activities and your reflections on each learning experience by .
Please get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more about consultancy, the consultancy group or any of the resources and support that we can provide. We can’t help directly with business, legal or contract advice, but there is a broad range of support available.
Mentoring
Join our award-winning member-to-member mentoring scheme and be paired with a mentor to help you reach your goals or develop new skills. We have trained mentors from commercial or academic backgrounds from across the chemical sciences. If you're a member of one of our professional categories then contact the Career Management team for more information.
Approved training database
Check our for online and in-person training courses to develop or refresh your skills.
Events
Keep an eye on our events listing for conferences and other networking and professional development opportunities.
Additional resources
England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Career management team
- Tel:
- +44 (0) 1223 432342
- Email:
- Send us an email