Focused advice or review
A defined question, document review, critical-friend session or focused piece of development.
← All typical costs
Research and consultancy
Specialist support, priced around a clear scope.
Research, evaluation, impact, strategy and organisational development shaped around the question, decision or outcome that matters.
From rate to project price
Most commissions are agreed as a complete piece of work.
The day rate helps explain how professional time is calculated. Your proposal will normally show one clear project price.
That price can include discovery, preparation, research, analysis, facilitation, reporting, development and agreed meetings. The scope sets out what TIO will take responsibility for and what you will receive.
- £500 per day for non-profits and purpose-led organisations
- £550 per day for universities and research organisations
- Preparation and analysis included within the agreed professional days
- Final project price confirmed before work begins
Typical commissions
Different questions need different amounts of work.
We use the same transparent rates, then estimate the number of days required for a credible result.
Workshop or facilitated development
Preparation, facilitation and a useful record or output that helps a team move forward.
Research and evaluation
Scoping, evidence collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting matched to the commission.
Longer-term support
A programme of research, impact, strategy or organisational development with agreed phases.
Separate costs
Expenses are visible, not buried in the rate.
Where a commission involves in-person work, the client will normally provide the venue and catering.
Venue hire, catering, travel, accommodation, specialist licences and other agreed third-party costs are not included in the professional day rate. We identify them separately before you approve the work.
Funding and procurement
Need a quotation before the work can begin?
We can provide an indicative or formal quotation for a funding proposal, internal approval or procurement process.
Where helpful, the quotation can separate stages, professional fees and expected expenses.
Request a consultancy quoteConsultancy pricing questions
Useful answers for early planning.
How much does a research consultant cost?
The Innovation Office’s typical consultancy rate is £500 per day for non-profits and purpose-led organisations, and £550 per day for universities and research organisations.
Is preparation included in the consultancy price?
Preparation, analysis and development time are included in the agreed number of professional days. The complete scope and project price are confirmed before work begins.
Are travel and expenses included?
Travel, accommodation, venue, catering and other agreed third-party expenses are identified separately where they apply.
Can you provide a fixed project price?
Yes. Most commissions are presented as a complete project price based on the work and professional days required, rather than leaving the client to calculate an open-ended day-rate bill.
Start with the question