Keep the first message focused
A first enquiry usually needs the type of concern, the broad location, any important deadline and a suitable way to contact you. It rarely needs an entire evidence bundle, identification document or detailed account of someone else’s personal life.
If a device, email account or phone is shared, consider whether using it is appropriate for a sensitive conversation. Tell PDC about contact restrictions before arranging calls or messages. Do not ask anyone to access another person’s account without authority.
Agree how you want to be contacted
Discretion means thinking about practical details, not making an absolute promise that information can never be disclosed. A solicitor, authorised colleague, legal obligation or court process may affect who can receive material in a particular matter.
- Which email address or telephone number is suitable?
- May a voicemail be left, and what may it say?
- Are there times when a call would be inconvenient or unsafe?
- Who is authorised to give instructions and receive reports?
- Does your solicitor need to direct the work or receive the findings first?
Send only what is relevant
Preserve originals and note where documents came from. If you prepare copies for an initial discussion, identify any redactions and avoid changing the meaning of the material. A short index often makes a large bundle much easier to assess.
Before transferring a sensitive file, agree the recipient and the channel. Check addresses carefully. Do not assume that a padlock icon, a password field or a private-looking page makes a system suitable for confidential evidence.
Access to reports and documents
For an existing instruction, use the communication route agreed with your PDC contact. If you need a report, an update or help accessing a document, identify the matter and the authorised recipient.
Online client sign-in and document uploads are not available on this website. Arrange an appropriate transfer method with PDC before sending confidential material, and verify any unexpected invitation through a contact route you already trust.
Confidentiality has boundaries
A professional enquiry should consider both the client’s interests and the rights of other people. Information supplied to an investigator does not automatically acquire legal privilege. If privilege or litigation strategy matters, ask your solicitor to advise on the arrangement before documents are created or circulated.
If you believe information has reached the wrong person, contact PDC promptly with the relevant details and avoid distributing it further. Keep the discussion factual so that the next steps can be assessed.
Questions you may have
Can PDC promise that nobody will ever find out?
No absolute promise is appropriate. The method, legal obligations, other people and any later proceedings can affect disclosure. Discuss specific concerns when the work is scoped.
Can my solicitor receive the reports?
That can be discussed when instructions and authorised recipients are agreed. Confirm who is directing the work and how the information is intended to be used.
How do I obtain a report or send a document?
Contact the person handling your instruction and agree the recipient and transfer method. This website does not provide client sign-in or document uploads.
Sources & further reading
Check the original sources for their latest information and service terms.