Consultancy - Project Open Gov

Advisory or professional work provided to another organisation, often for payment.

Category: Business and economy Parliament and elections

Also used as: consultancy, consultancies, consultant, consultants, advisory work, paid consultancy

Source / explainer: Read the House of Commons Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules

Last reviewed: 22 August 2026

Consultancy is advisory or professional work provided to another organisation, often for payment. For MPs, consultancy work may be relevant to the Register of Members’ Financial Interests and the rules on paid parliamentary advice and lobbying. For former ministers or senior officials, consultancy may also be relevant to the Business Appointment Rules.

Related terms

Business Appointment RulesRules applying when former ministers, civil servants and some Crown servants take up roles after leaving office.Outside EmploymentPaid work or roles held by an MP outside their parliamentary duties.Paid Parliamentary AdviceA prohibited arrangement where an MP provides paid advice on parliamentary strategy, procedure or influence.Register of Members’ Financial InterestsThe public register showing MPs’ relevant financial interests and benefits.