Evidence-based assessment and assurance
Independent Review
Can we rely on what we are being told?
I assess a claim, programme, control environment or outcome against agreed criteria, explaining what the evidence supports and where it falls short.
When this is useful.
A board needs to evaluate readiness, challenge an assurance claim or understand whether reported progress justifies the next commitment.
When another approach may fit
This is not statutory audit, certification or regulatory approval. I cannot independently review my own implementation work; conflicts and prior involvement must be considered before appointment.
The decision this supports
A conclusion against agreed criteria, supported by evidence and explicit limitations, to inform the accountable decision. The work cannot guarantee commercial success or remove uncertainty.
What I do and what you receive
- Agree the claim or state to assess, the criteria, evidence requirements and intended users.
- Review records and speak to relevant people, testing the basis of significant assertions.
- Report findings, limitations and any conditions or further evidence needed before reliance.
You provide an accountable sponsor, relevant records and access to the people needed for the agreed work. We agree exclusions, evidence access and who can use the findings before starting. Additional work needs an agreed change of scope.
Relevant previous work
The payments account shows why an assurance claim could not be substantiated. It did not establish that the testing itself was insufficient.
Examine the case and its limitsScope, timing and fees
A defined-scope fixed-fee basis is proposed.
Scoped proposal; fee agreed before work begins. Plus VAT where applicable.
The assurance question, evidence volume, sampling depth, access and intended reliance affect the fee. Timing depends on the agreed work, evidence access, stakeholder availability and dependencies. The proposal sets out inclusions, exclusions and arrangements for changes; no standard turnaround is promised.
Does a review provide certainty?
No. The conclusion is limited by its criteria, scope and evidence. I explain what cannot be concluded as carefully as what can.
What if the evidence changes the scope?
I explain what has changed and its implications. We agree whether to revise the work, obtain further evidence or stop before making further commitments.
Read before deciding
How can a board independently verify programme readiness?Also consider The Challenge: decision and strategy stress-testing.
Discuss your situation