What can you expect to receive from an investigation?

Agree the deliverable before the work starts

Reports vary with the assignment. A desktop enquiry may provide a concise findings report with source references. Surveillance may produce an observation chronology and relevant photographs or footage where lawfully obtained and practicable. Confirm the format, level of detail, included media and delivery arrangements before payment. Do not assume that every package includes a lengthy report, video, a statement or attendance at court.

What makes a finding useful?

A finding should connect back to the question in the brief. It should explain the information used, the relevant dates and what supports a match or conclusion. A name match alone may not identify the right person. A photograph may show an observed moment without establishing what happened before or afterwards. The report should make those limits understandable so you can decide what weight to place on the information.

What if the result is inconclusive?

An inconclusive result can still explain what was checked, what was unavailable and why the question remains unresolved. No relevant activity during a surveillance period does not prove that it never occurs. No result in an available source does not prove that no record exists elsewhere. Ask whether a further enquiry has a clear purpose and agree its cost before authorising it.

How should supporting material be handled?

Keep original material intact and explain its source when providing it through the agreed private process. Reporting should distinguish material supplied by you from information obtained during the assignment. Access to the client portal is for authorised users. Avoid forwarding sensitive reports widely, particularly where they identify third parties or contain information supplied for a limited purpose.

Can you use the report in a legal proceeding?

Tell us at the briefing stage if a solicitor needs the output or a proceeding is involved. Your solicitor should advise what format and supporting material are required and how the information may be used. A report is not a guarantee of admissibility, acceptance or a favourable outcome. Any additional statement, clarification or attendance must be discussed and scoped separately.

What should happen after delivery?

Review the findings against your original question. Ask for clarification where a source, date or limitation is unclear. Separate a request to explain the completed work from a new instruction to investigate something further. PartnerCheck’s assignment portal supports updates, messages and requests for further information during the work. The agreed scope controls the final deliverable and its release arrangements.

An illustrative report outline

This is a format example, not an actual report or a promise that every package includes each item.

Assignment question

The question and accepted scope.

Material and methods

Relevant supplied documents and enquiries undertaken.

Chronology

Dated observations and relevant events.

Findings

Supported facts and their source or basis.

Limitations

Unavailable information, possible matches and unresolved questions.

Next steps

Clarification or separately proposed further enquiries.