The project commenced in October 2008 with the development of the Functional Map of Management and Business Consultancy and a gap analysis to identify where units of National Occupational Standards already exist which describe the functions of Management and Business Consultants and where new units were required.

The Management Standards Consultancy worked closely with practitioners, academics, experts and trainers during 2008 to develop a draft suite of standards which were tested through UK-wide consultation during the first half of 2009. The National Occupational Standards for Management and Business Consultancy were approved by the UK NOS Panel in October 2009 and launched by The Management Standards Consultancy's Managing Director, Trevor Boutall, at a high profile event at the top of London's "Gherkin" on 16 November 2009.

The Management Standards Consultancy has now supported both the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute of Leadership and Management to develop Qualifications for Management Consultants based on these NOS. These new qualifications will be available from 1 August 2010.