Executive checklist
Eight controls to help protect fairness, evidence and the quality of the final decision.
Identify immediate safety, wellbeing, evidence and operational concerns. Avoid premature conclusions.
Write down the issue to be addressed, the decision required and who should own each stage.
Secure relevant documents, messages and records. Keep an auditable note of interim decisions.
Where practicable, distinguish investigator, adviser and decision-maker responsibilities.
Consider conflicting accounts, missing evidence, alternative explanations and consistency with earlier cases.
Use neutral language. Explain process, expectations, confidentiality and next steps clearly.
Record the evidence considered, findings reached, mitigation, proportionality and the reason for the outcome.
Check implementation, appeal or follow-up actions, wider lessons and any policy or training gap.
Pause and seek advice
This checklist is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice on the facts of a particular matter and does not create a client relationship.
Discuss a live issue