How we work · ten stages, three gates

A controlled process, not a promise.

No field work begins until conflict, legality and mandate are cleared. Each stage has a defined output, so a client can see exactly where a matter stands at any point.

Fig. 01 · The ten stages

Gate
Operational stage

Stage 01 of 10Gate — cleared before field work

Confidential enquiry

A first private conversation to understand the concern, the urgency and the immediate risk — before any commitment on either side.

Defined output: Scoped concern
Typical duration: Same day

What happens

Understand the concern in the client’s own words
Identify the decision waiting on the answer
Flag immediate risk to people, evidence or funds

Gate condition

Nothing is investigated at this stage. If the matter is outside Blackthorn’s lawful scope, it is declined here.

Client sees · Verbal position and next step

Reporting standard

Every line is labelled for what it is.

A Blackthorn report can be handed to counsel, a board or a regulator without re-work, because fact, observation, source information and inference are never blended.

Confirmed factIndependently verified by document, record or multiple corroborating sources.Highest
Direct observationObserved by an investigator, with time, place and method recorded.High
Source informationProvided by a person, attributed and assessed for reliability and motive.Qualified
Analysis & inferenceBlackthorn’s reasoning from the material — always labelled as inference, never as fact.Interpretive
Unresolved uncertaintyWhat could not be established, and what would be required to establish it.Stated openly

Finding scale

Where an allegation is assessed, the result is stated plainly.

The agreed standard of assessment is stated in the report. This classification is not a criminal verdict or a legal conclusion.

Supported — Sufficient reliable information supports the material elements of the allegation.
Partially supported — Some material elements are supported; others are not established or are contradicted.
Unsupported — Available reliable information does not support the allegation or materially contradicts it.
Inconclusive — Available information is insufficient, unreliable or materially conflicting.

Working with Blackthorn

What is expected of both sides.

Table 01 · Mutual undertakings

Blackthorn undertakes	The client undertakes
Report the finding the evidence supports, including where it is unwelcome	Accept that the outcome cannot be specified in advance
Use lawful methods only, recorded before work begins	Not request interception, impersonation or protected records
Keep scope, cost and progress transparent	Instruct scope changes in writing
Preserve and log material defensibly	Disclose known related matters and prior investigations
Protect client confidentiality and apply retention rules	Limit internal distribution of reporting

Limits

What no investigator can promise.

That every allegation will be proved
That every person, witness or asset will be located
That all hidden relationships or assets will be discovered
That collected material will be admitted in court
That a police service, regulator, insurer, employer or court will take a particular action
That a client will win, recover money, repudiate a claim or obtain a conviction
Absolute confidentiality where disclosure is required by law or necessary to address immediate danger

Confidential enquiries

Stage 01 takes twenty minutes.

A first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. No case detail is required to begin.

Request a confidential consultation