Working for yourself
Find out what it's like to be your own boss and access resources to help support you in setting up and running your own business in the people profession
There’s significant demand for external consultants in the profession, with the types of roles varying across the board. This page outlines what to expect if you're working as a self-employed consultant, and provides guidance and resources to help you make a success of your consulting career, from networks and career advice to HR tools and professional indemnity insurance.
Types of consultancy work
Here are a few examples of the types of contracts awarded to external consultants:
- Defining the needs of a 50-employee-strong SME with no internal people function, and enabling that organisation to grow
- An organisation design specialist working with an executive team to help translate their business strategy into an organisation that's fit for the future
- An employee relations lead auditing the current set of policies and procedures in the organisation
- A diversity and inclusion specialist helping define what the organisation needs to do in order to create a culture of inclusivity
- A training provider running a management development course across three tiers of management in a larger organisation
- A reward analyst carrying out an annual benchmarking review to support salary and bonus recommendations.
How does the CIPD support consultants?
Select from the icons below to explore the resources, support and networks we offer to help you make a success of your consulting career.
Networking
Employment law support
News and resources
Real-life success stories
Browse through the stories of those who've worked as successful consultants, freelancers and self-employed. Find out what made them take the first steps towards independent consulting, the challenges they faced, and the skills they needed for their businesses to flourish.
Want to know what the learning curve to consultancy looks like?
Take a look at Kay Healds' blog on the confessions and learning points of an HR Consultant
CEO or consultant: which is right for you?
The choice between going it alone or aiming for the top is a tough one. We chat to those who've travelled both paths.
Making the switch to self-employment
For Phil Marsland, moving from a successful in-house career to running his own limited business was a huge step. From tackling admin and upgrading technology to business mentoring and dealing with change, here's how Phil did it.
Preferential rates
See how CIPD membership benefits independent consultants, freelancers and the self-employed.
External resources and support
Gov.ie
Access helpful resources provided by gov.ie:
Small Firms Association
Access helpful resources provided by the Small Firms Association:
Explore other areas
Why work in the people profession?
Explore the many rewards of working in the people profession
Work environments
Explore the different types of environments you can expect to work in as a people professional
Career options in the people profession
Explore the twelve career areas within the people profession, and the typical activities you may find yourself doing
Career guidance
Information and guidance to help you excel in your role, transition into the profession, and manage a career break