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Being a trusted adviser can include being openly critical of the organisation seeking advice. In Ilana Bolingford’s research with Australian law academics one participant described a relationship with a regulator combining criticism of its work with broad support for its mission.

Although critical, this approach brought repeat opportunities for engagement. In my own work with governments and corporates, I have sought to build relationships around shared purposes while retaining the independence to question how those purposes are pursued.

This blog highlights how being a critical researcher and a trusted adviser can be compatible roles. However, these sorts of relationships take significant time and energy.

Many of the researchers she interviewed felt their expertise was undervalued within their universities, with engagement often spilling beyond normal working hours. Ilana argues for dedicated workload allocations and recognition in appraisal and promotion decisions.