The new CEN European Standard on Management Consultancy Services EN 16114 was launched in Ireland at NSAI HQ, Dublin on 20 December 2011.
The development of the standard arose from the EU's Services Directive which seeks to make a common market in services in the same way as it has in manufactured goods. The adoption of 'service standards' which describe the interface between the consumer and provider of a service is seen to be a key part of this. It is anticipated that the standard will become a global ISO standard within a year.
ICMCI took a proactive part in writing the standard and is leading the marketing programme. An IMCA Working Group provided feedback to its drafting through NSAI.
The standard comprises a set of best practice guidelines for consultant / client interactions and is not certifiable (as CMC is). Knowledge of the standard is likely become part of IMCA's common body of knowledge. IMCA envisages that application of the guidelines will be incorporated in practice accreditation and ongoing affirmation processes.
Copies of the standard are available at www.standards.ie (pdf €38, less 40% for subscribers).
Pictured below at the launch are members of the IMCA Working Group and NSAI management: (L - R) Pat Power, IMCA; Martin Whelan, Director of Standards NSAI; Tom Moriarty IMCA; Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI and Brian O'Kane, IMCA.
