You do not need a polished brief to get in touch. A short outline of the work taking up your time is enough for a useful first discussion.

The checklist below helps separate what you already know from the questions we need to explore. Keep confidential information, passwords and private client documents out of the initial enquiry.

Describe the work in everyday terms.

Use a recent example if that makes the request clearer. You can describe the type of document, appointment or follow-up without attaching the private information itself.

  • What tasks keep returning to your desk?
  • What would you like to have completed or organised?
  • Is this one defined piece of work, a recurring need or a wider connected process?
  • What has made the work difficult to hand over so far?

Explain the practical requirements.

Mention any important dates, the systems involved and whether remote or local on-site support is being considered. Specific software familiarity, availability and the working arrangements will be checked before a scope is agreed.

If a date depends on another person supplying information, say so. A deadline and a dependency are different things; making both visible helps avoid an unclear starting point.

  • Name the systems involved without sending login details.
  • Identify who will provide source information.
  • Explain who can approve work and who needs to be kept informed.
  • Flag any requirement that needs particular experience or access.

Use this short enquiry outline.

These are prompts for your own message, not required form fields. An honest outline with a few unanswered questions is more useful than a detailed brief built on assumptions.

Agree the work before it begins.

We discuss the tasks, the outcome and whether the support is a suitable fit. The proposed scope sets out the work, fee, responsibilities, timing and any exclusions. Access and confidentiality arrangements are discussed where needed.

A defined first piece of work can help establish a practical routine. Changes or additional work are agreed separately. No booking, immediate availability or particular response window is assumed from sending an enquiry.