Define the question
Describe what needs to be established and why. Identify relevant dates, systems and stakeholders without circulating unnecessary personal or sensitive information.
Establish authority
Before collection or access, clarify who is authorised to instruct the work and which systems and records are within scope. Your legal team may need to advise on the appropriate basis and boundaries.
Agree handling arrangements
Discuss preservation, collection, transfer, access and reporting before sending material. Avoid uploading evidence to a general website enquiry form or sharing credentials in email.
Understand the output
Agree the questions the report will address, the intended audience, any legal proceedings or accreditation requirements, and how limitations and uncertainty will be presented.