Pros
Comfortably out on its own as top consultancy in UK development consultancy market. Having worked along in and with other firms, I can confirm there is a huge difference. Those others who join from other firms confirm this to be the case. It has strong market leadership positions in private sector development, infrastructure, anti-corruption and extractive industries amongst others. It will soon have similar leadership in Health and Education as these areas are growing scarily quickly. Works in lots of interesting areas and countries., you know you are working for a place where things get done and matter. Could not be more different to a NGO or the charities in the sector. When donors need something done properly, they often turn to the company unprompted as they can trust them. Very young crowd with at least 90% of staff being under 40. Very good gender mix with women in 25-35 bracket being accelerated up the system very quickly. Smart London HQ and growing regional offices particularly in Kenya and Australia.
Cons
Some growing pains with systems etc not keeping up with breakneck growth. Pay high for sector but not that great compared to corporate consulting or City of London. Most people could get quite a bit more elsewhere. As top dog in the industry suffers from PR problem. There are lots of petty small people in the industry who are jealous of the big people who get things done. Many of those who write articles and tweet about the company have actually applied but been rejected!!