PDC | INITIAL INVESTIGATION BRIEF
Free preparation template | Version 1.0 | October 2026

Keep this completed document privately. Downloading or completing it does not
send it to PDC. Begin with a short outline; agree a suitable transfer method
before sharing sensitive supporting documents. Do not include passwords,
full payment-card details or private account credentials.

1. THE QUESTION
What specific question do you need answered?


What decision would the answer help you make?


2. BACKGROUND (aim for 5-10 factual lines)
Describe what happened. Separate established facts from concerns or assumptions.


3. YOUR ROLE AND AUTHORITY
Are you the individual concerned, a business representative or a legal adviser?
Who would formally instruct and authorise the work?


4. KEY DATES
Relevant event dates:
Deadline and the reason for it:
Court, tribunal or adviser involved, if relevant:


5. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN
Fact | Source/item reference | Date | Any uncertainty


6. MATERIAL ALREADY AVAILABLE
List relevant documents or records; do not attach everything initially.
Item reference | Neutral description | Who holds the original


7. WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN TRIED
Search or action | Date | Outcome | Remaining question


8. SCOPE AND LIMITS
Most important question to answer first:
Work or contact that should not take place without discussion:
Relevant legal, privacy, safety or practical restrictions:


9. COMMERCIAL QUESTIONS TO AGREE
Proposed first stage and review point:
Budget range or cap to discuss:
Expenses and applicable tax to clarify:
Who may authorise additional work:
Expected report format and intended use:


10. CONTACT AND HANDOVER
Preferred safe contact method:
Times or methods to avoid:
Proposed authorised recipients:
Questions for the initial discussion:


REMINDER
This is an organisational aid, not legal advice or an agreement to instruct PDC.
A written scope and applicable terms should be agreed before paid work begins.
Do not delay emergency, police, bank or professional assistance while completing it.