Start with suitability and accountability
An initial conversation should leave you clearer about the problem and the proposed next step. Explain your objective, then ask the investigator to describe what they understand the brief to be. If the description does not match your question, resolve that before discussing a larger instruction.
Establish who you would be engaging, who will handle the work and how you can contact them. Ask about experience relevant to the particular type of enquiry rather than relying on a broad statement about years in the industry. Any claimed credentials should be specific enough for you to check.
Ask how the work will be approached
You do not need every operational detail to understand the broad approach and its boundaries. A proposal should explain what is being investigated, why the suggested work is relevant and where uncertainty remains.
- What can realistically be established from the information available?
- What might prevent the enquiry from producing a useful result?
- How will the purpose and appropriateness of the work be assessed?
- Will anyone else handle my information or carry out part of the enquiry?
- What records or report will I receive, and what will their limitations be?
- How will progress, concerns and changes of scope be communicated?
Understand money and information handling
Ask for the scope, price, expenses, payment terms and cancellation arrangements in writing. Agree a spending limit and the point at which further authority will be needed. Clarify what happens if the work reaches a dead end or produces information that changes the original question.
Read the privacy information and ask how relevant documents should be shared. Discuss a safe contact method if the matter is sensitive. Do not send passwords or a large collection of personal records simply to obtain an initial view of the enquiry.
Give yourself room to decide
Be cautious about pressure to pay immediately or promises of a particular conclusion before the facts are understood. Ask for clarification of anything you cannot explain back in plain language. A limited first step may be more useful than a broad, open-ended instruction.
PDC offers an initial, no-obligation discussion. Bring these questions and a short brief; we can offer basic pointers and, if further work is appropriate, set out a proposal for you to consider.
Questions you may have
Can I ask questions before sharing all my documents?
Yes. Start with a concise outline and agree what additional information is relevant and how it should be transferred.
What if I need the findings for my solicitor?
Explain that before work begins and involve your solicitor in defining the questions and reporting requirements where appropriate.