Independence and Niche Consulting

Independence and integrity are at the heart of everything we do. We have built a solid, long-standing reputation for delivering independent investigations, reviews and evaluations that are trusted by our clients and regulatory bodies nationally. Niche has conducted more than 2,000 projects since our formation in 1992.

Niche is an independent consultancy and wholly owned by its directors. We have no external shareholders, and no contractual or other relationships with any other organisation which would compromise our independence.

Our investigations are robust, proportionate, evidence-based and supported by the most up to date examples of good practice.

We are wholly and independently responsible for our findings, conclusions and recommendations. No other agency including our client has the authority to ‘sign off’ our report, or to insist on a particular form of finding. Corrections of factual accuracy are welcomed.

We are contracted precisely because of our independent role, and to not work for, or on behalf of, a health board or NHS trust. We know reviews can deliver difficult messages, but we always aim to do this in a balanced way. That’s why our independence is not only a necessity but a source of pride for us at Niche.

Like any professional organisation we are paid for the work we do. Being paid for the supply of a highly specialised service does not mean that our independence is compromised in any way.

We have extensive protections relating to independence and are one of very few investigation firms who are ISO certified for our quality and information governance processes. All our investigators are security cleared to either BPSS standards or DBS checked.