Charity/voluntary talks policy

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the charitable engagement!

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• Normally, any type of professional engagement, whether paid or unpaid, needs to be approved by your employer during the time of employment. As such, I would advise you to clarify things with HR/ Legal since they will be the only to properly assess and confirm the situation.
• Practically, as long as you do not represent your employer, talk about consulting-related topics or impair your employment, chances are very high that your employer will not have anything against your engagements.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best approach your specific situation, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Hi there,

First of all, good on you for doing this!

Second, why wouldn't you just check? Ask HR (in writing) just to be sure.

As long as you're not using the company's name and you are not sharing any knowledge relating to the firm and its clients (i.e. the topic/talk is on completely separate, unrelated topics), then there shouldn't be a problem.

Regardless, just ask! There's 0 downside risk to asking, but a lot of downside risk to not asking.

Well, this depends on what you are talking about exactly. 

If you are giving a pro-bono talk and not using your employers' name or information, I don't see howcome they would have to authorize it. What you do on your freetime that is not company related is none of their business.

But maybe you may want to share a bit more details so we can understand why you think there could be a conflict or authorization would be required.

I did some of this during my Consulting days and best approach is to check with the Partner or Lead of your area and get their clearance. HR can also advise on the appropriate policies.

As a thumb rule, whenever you act as a representative of the firm to the external world, always always align and get clearance/permission before you embark on any activities.

Hello!

I kept running my NGO as president while in McK and didn´t have any issues -appart from being exahusted, hehe-. However, I would just check this with your PD person, it won´t harm.

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

Hey there, good on you for wanting to do this on top of your already heavy work load!

MBB are generally pretty cagy and they don't like people to go out on their own talking publicly and invoking their name. Hence, you always have to check with PD/legal. 

Often, there will also be a clause in your contract that prevents you from doing any activity (commercial/non-commercial) on the side unless you get written permission.

Best of luck!