How an engagement starts
Working with me always begins with a scoping conversation which establishes the fit, capabilities and commitment before any money discussion. If the fit is right, then we can talk about budget and scope, and move to a simple contracting procedure before commencing the process. Most often after the scoping conversation (or several if required) a proposal will be produced and discussed with the client. If the proposal is accepted as an outline, then our design phase begins which for any piece of work with a scope beyond a simple remit, we will work together to design the process - in so far as you will provide context and precedent that informs the direction so it augments your already good practice. Ideally we will work in a capacity building way where key members of your team join the design process and participate and learn by doing.
How I work, contractually
Work is agreed by proposal, scoped and contracted with a scope of works and a price for that scope to be delivered. There are clauses for variations and a schedule of costs for variations. Work is priced on a day-rate basis for the main body of work and an hourly rate basis where appropriate. We will also set invoicing periods and ensure the supplier arrangements are in place and all compliance documentation and insurance has been exchanged prior to commencement. Work is invoiced by Philip Marken (Independent Consultant). Payment terms, and details around cancellation & rescheduling, are detailed in the contract.
Professional standing
Philip holds CEDR Accreditation (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution), is a psychotherapist in training (Processwork UK, diploma pathway), and has Art of Hosting practice built over twenty years. He holds professional indemnity and public liability insurance — details and certificates available on request. DBS checked — certificate available on request. Receiving regular CPD and supervision. Full documentation available on request.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is of the highest priority for me. Much of my work is commercially sensitive and personally and organisationally sensitive and I operate with utmost confidentiality and always without prejudice. Where work is named, it is for public facing projects which are relevant to contextualise the work I have been part of. Other accounts carry the nature of the lessons learned but are completely anonymised and no identities should be assumed or inferred from the details in the account, as all are changed and anonymised to respect the participants. Commercially and personally sensitive work remains entirely private, as standard. The same discretions cover any conversation ahead of engagement — including scoping conversations which are simply that, and not resulting in engagement. The privacy policy can be read here.
References
References are available on request, once there's a live proposal to discuss — often a short conversation with a past client is more useful than a written reference, and that can be arranged where required.