I'm keen to change direction. Early 50s with Chartered Engineer Management background - recent MBA qualification - mixed public /private experience. Can I make succesful change to management consulting?Should I use competence based style CV or chronological style CV?

I am an unemployed management consultant coming from a different conntry, so I'm probably not in the best position to advise you. I'd suggest you use a chronological CV, unless you have a very good reason to make it competence-based, such as big gaps in your experience (e.g. prison) :)

You are a match to me (age, CEng + MBA except mine has been around a few more years) - answer to your question is a definite YES. I'm a Consulting Director. Chronological style CV with a summary at front describing you in terms of "experienced engineer and manager skilled in change projects focussed in xxxx industries, etc . Make sure the CV content says what YOU did and importantly achieved in each case - not your management responsibilities. You need to focus on what benefit and added value (horrible term) you are bringing to a new company. TIP1: Use your covering letter to match your skills/experience to application/ stated requirements. TIP2: Have a little story mentally prepared to expand/back up each of your key 'claims' in CV when you are asked. Go for it.