Begin with one material question.
Bring the reports and supporting information already in use. A first examination considers that material in relation to the question, and produces a focused account of what it supports, what remains unresolved, and what requires directors’ judgement.
How a first engagement proceeds.
- 01
Scoping conversation
A conversation with the Chair, a director, or the Secretary about the question and why it matters now.
- The decision, issue, or reported position in question.
- The information already before the Board.
- Whether a first examination would be useful.
- 02
Scope agreement
Scope and arrangements are agreed before any supporting information is requested.
- The question the examination addresses.
- The material in scope, and what is excluded.
- The intended form of the account, and how it reaches the Board.
- 03
The account
A focused account of the material in relation to the agreed question, for directors to consider.
- Prepared within the agreed scope.
- Discussed with those who commissioned it.
- Judgement and decision remain with the Board.
The focused account.
The intended form of the account is agreed during scoping. It keeps interpretation distinguishable from source evidence, and leaves judgement and decision with the Board.
Accountability remains human; the entire account is evidential.
- What the material supports
- The position the evidence supports, connected to its source so directors can see the basis for reliance.
- What remains unresolved
- What is assumed, contested, or unknown, which uncertainties matter to the decision, and what further inquiry could clarify.
- What requires judgement
- The choices directors must weigh while uncertainty remains, and the responsibilities of the Board and the Executive.
- What to learn from
- The assumptions and intended outcomes to revisit later, so observed consequences can inform what follows.
Agreeing scope and arrangements.
Work begins only once the scope and its arrangements are agreed in writing.
- Written scope
- After the scoping conversation, the question, the information to be examined, and the form of the account are set out in writing for your agreement.
- Fees
- Fees and payment arrangements are agreed in writing after scoping, as part of the scope. Nothing is payable for an enquiry or the scoping conversation unless agreed in advance.
- Supporting information
- Reports and supporting information are requested only after the scope and arrangements are agreed, and only as the scope requires.
- Decision to proceed
- Either party may decide not to proceed after scoping. Agreeing a scope commits neither the Board nor the Executive to any course of action.
Start with the question before your Board.
Describe the matter briefly. The next step is a scoping conversation about whether a first examination would be useful.
This is an enquiry, not a booking or an agreement to begin work. Please do not send Board papers, confidential documents, or personal data through this form. Read the privacy notice.