Working together
A clear engagement
starts before the work.
Scope, responsibilities and fees should be understood at the beginning, and revisited when the work changes.
First conversation
Identify the decision and the people involved.
The initial discussion establishes the general nature of the business and the work being considered. The practice then explains the information and checks needed before deciding whether to take on an engagement.
Do not use the public contact review for confidential material or detailed information about another party.
Scope & fees
Put the arrangement in writing.
An engagement sets out the work, what is excluded, the responsibilities of the practice and business, the fee basis and expected expenses. The discussion also identifies who can give instructions and make decisions.
Timing depends on the scope and the information available. A website enquiry is not an acceptance of work or a commitment to a deadline.
During the work
Keep decisions and changes visible.
Drafts, questions and proposed next steps are discussed in the context of the agreed scope. If circumstances change or additional work is needed, the implications for scope, timing and fees are raised before proceeding.
Prepare an initial enquiry