Office address: L23/697 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008
Website: www.nousgroup.com
Year established: 1999
Company type: business consulting and services
Employees: 750+
Expertise: data and analytics, design, leadership and capability, organisational performance, public policy, regulation, strategy, transformation and implementation, defence and security, education, energy and decarbonisation, environment and agriculture, financial services, government
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Tim Orton (CEO), Greg Joffe (deputy CEO), Andrew Pritchett (CIO), David Diviny (chief data scientist), Lauren Douge (CMO), Scott Farndell (CFO), Sally Pritchard (CPO), Cara Morgan (head of talent), Katie Ryan (head of people)
Financing status: N/A

Nous Group is a global consulting firm with over 750 consultants in five countries, offering solutions for complex strategic challenges and transformational change. With 25 years of experience, they have completed over 10,000 projects for 1,600 clients across private, public, and community sectors. They specialise in creating a positive influence on people's lives through their broad consulting capabilities.

History of Nous Group

Nous Group was founded by Tim Orton in 1999 to create a consulting firm that makes a positive impact on clients and communities. In 2014, they launched their first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in Australia and expanded their capabilities in digital, data, and economics. The company won the Australian HR Award in 2020 for best change management strategy.

During the pandemic, they established operations in North America and achieved a record-high Net Promoter Score. The company was recognised in the HRD Employer of Choice awards in 2021. By 2023, they launched their first RAP in Canada and received multiple industry awards, reflecting their resilience and continued success.

Products and Services of Nous Group

Nous Group offers a variety of consulting services designed to meet diverse business needs:

• strategy: developing actionable strategies to achieve long-term organisational goals
• public policy: crafting and influencing policies to drive societal change and address public issues
• regulation: assisting organisations in navigating complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance
• economics: providing economic analysis and insights to support informed decision-making
• evaluation: conducting assessments to measure the impact and effectiveness of programs and initiatives
• first nations: collaborating with First Nations communities to support sustainable development and positive outcomes
• transformation and implementation: guiding organisations through change processes and executing strategic plans
• organisational performance: enhancing business performance through tailored solutions and best practices

Nous Group's two decades of growth have been fuelled by the expertise and dedication of its consultants. They expand into new markets and enhance their capabilities by focusing on client, culture, and financial performance metrics. This approach ensures they stay true to their purpose of creating a positive influence.

Culture at Nous Group

The company fosters a purpose-driven culture, creating positive influence by collaborating with clients to enhance their lives. They promote an inclusive environment based on high performance, trust, and collaboration. Valuing diversity, they build on trust, self-management, and high performance, shaping employee engagement and rewards:

• collaborative bonus
• flexible public holidays and opportunity to purchase leave
• generous parental leave, compassionate leave, and early long service leave
• recharge leave and career break opportunities
• financial support for professional development and salary packaging options
• technology and WFH equipment allowance and EAP

Nous Group uses its broad sector experience to understand and achieve clients' ESG goals with actionable, measurable plans. They combine ESG expertise, offering support as coaches, thought leaders, or action enablers. Their commitment to positive influence is reflected in their ESG initiatives: 

• environment: supporting decarbonisation, environmental protection, and enhancing environmental agencies' effectiveness
• social capital: conducting social impact assessments, establishing social programs, and facilitating social investments
• human capital: implementing workplace improvement initiatives and applying data-driven workforce analytics
• supply chain: navigating legislative environments, managing data collection and analysis, and providing relevant training
• leadership and governance: collaborating with boards to create governance frameworks and drive performance improvements

Nous Group values workforce equity, diversity, and inclusion, which enhances performance and creativity for clients. They aim to maintain an inclusive, equitable workplace that meets diverse employee and client needs. Recognised as an Inclusive Employer by Diversity Council Australia, they continue to advance their EDI through initiatives like:

• women's network: encourages female leadership and provides development opportunities
• Nous proud: supports LGBTIQ+ staff and fosters inclusive societies
• multicultural Nous: connects culturally diverse staff and improves understanding
• disability and wellbeing network: empowers and advocates for mental health, neurodivergence, and physical disability
• young and future families: supports those transitioning in and out of parental leave
• women in data: facilitates mentorship and continued learning for women in data roles

Their commitment to delivering positive influence drives their daily actions and future goals. This dedication, powered by passionate team members, has supported over two decades of growth. Their strategic expansion into new markets and enhanced capabilities always aligns with their core purpose.

About Nous Group CEO Tim Orton and Key People

Tim Orton is the managing principal and CEO of Nous Group. Previously, he served as chair of RISING Melbourne and Loop, MD at Deakin Australia, and a consultant at McKinsey & Co. Orton holds a BA and master's degree in arts from the University of Oxford and an engineering degree from the University of Melbourne.

Orton is supported by a dedicated team of key people who help lead Nous Group, each playing a critical role in the company's success:

• Greg Joffe, serving as deputy CEO, oversees company operations and strategic initiatives
• Andrew Pritchett, as chief information officer, manages the company’s IT strategy and infrastructure
• David Diviny, as chief data scientist, leads data analysis and insights for informed decision-making
• Lauren Douge, as chief marketing officer, directs marketing strategies and brand development
• Scott Farndell, serving as chief financial officer, handles financial planning and risk management
• Sally Pritchard, as chief people officer, is responsible for HR strategy and employee wellbeing
• Cara Morgan, as head of talent, focuses on talent acquisition and development
• Katie Ryan, serving as head of people, manages employee relations and organisational culture

The Future at Nous Group

The company’s acquisition of Health Policy Analysis enhances its health consulting services, providing clients with a seamless and comprehensive experience. This strategic move opens new market opportunities and strengthens their global presence. Looking ahead, Nous Group aims to continue expanding their capabilities and market reach, ensuring sustained growth and innovation.

With the rising need for gender equality targets to secure government contracts, the company reports strong gender pay equality outcomes according to WGEA data. They have achieved a 0.7% median gender pay gap by base salary and a 3.6% gap by total remuneration, significantly lower than industry averages. Moving forward, they aim to further enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts to maintain leadership in equitable workplace practices.