COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT STANDARDS (CMS)

Source: Created by PRCA in 1997, based on ISO 9001 and Investors in People, applicable to PA Consultancies

1. Have the management structure and responsibilities been defined and communicated in a way that the wider team will understand?
2. What leadership skills do you look for within your Senior team?
3. Is there a system to ensure effective communication to internal and external parties?
4. Does the consultancy have a business plan?
5. Does the business plan define clear goals and objectives?
6. To what extent is the business plan communicated to all levels of the consultancy?
7. Is the consultancy's performance compared to the business plan's goals and objectives?
8. Is the business plan reviewed regularly for adequacy?
9. Does the consultancy have a clear vision and set of values shaping its purpose and long term goals?
10. To what extent does the consultancy involve staff at all levels in business improvement activities?
11. Does the consultancy carry out benchmarking as a means of business improvement?
12. Is there a system to manage improvement projects
13. Is there a system for collecting, reviewing and utilising key information to increase management control and maximise business efficiency?
14. Does the consultancy prepare adequate monthly management accounts?
15. Does the consultancy have a consistent and effective process for calculating fees for client work?
16. Does the consultancy have effective client billing and credit controls system?
17. Does the consultancy have effective systems and processes to manage staff time and to report on utilisation and over/under client servicing?
18. Does the consultancy have an effective system for control of capital?
19. Does the consultancy have an effective system for capturing client requirements?
20. Does the consultancy have an effective planning system to ensure delivery to client expectation?
21. Does the consultancy have effective information control?
22. Does the consultancy ensure the consistent delivery of services by suppliers?
23. Does the consultancy monitor campaign performance and take appropriate actions?
24. Does the consultancy have a system to measure client satisfaction?
25. Does the client satisfaction measurement address all elements of the service?
26. Is the client satisfaction measurement implemented effectively?
27. Does the consultancy periodically compare client satisfaction across accounts?
28. Does the consultancy have a strategy for business development to achieve its goals and objectives?
29. Does the consultancy have an effective system for the management of its enquiries and sales?
30. Are the processes for selection of prospective employees determined according to the needs of the position?
31. Is a general induction conducted for new employees in their first week of employment ? If so, is it signed when completed by the employee, and are exit interviews conducted when staff leave?
32. Does the consultancy have a formal appraisal system?
33. Is training performed in accordance with personal development plans and are the training courses consistent across the consultancy?
34. Is there a diversity and equality policy that demonstrates best practice?
35. How has the organisation supported managers and employees with diversity and equality practices?
36. Does the organisation ensure diversity and equality practices are followed when recruiting?
37. Does the organisation ensure diversity and equality practices are followed throughout the new starter process?
38. Does the organisation measure diversity and equality among its current employees?
39. What adaptations does the organisation make in terms of diversity and equality?
40. How does the organisation recruit interms in terms of diversity and equality?