What’s included in your audit and retainer services?
My audits include a thorough review of your current policies, practices, and workplace culture. I provide actionable insights and recommendations for improvement. With a retainer, I offer ongoing support, regular check-ins, and updates to ensure your policies remain effective and relevant.
How long does an audit typically take?
The duration of an audit depends on the size and complexity of your organisation. Typically, audits take between 4 to 6 weeks to complete, allowing for in-depth analysis and consultation with key stakeholders, if required. I typically only take on two audit clients at any one time so that your company can be prioritised.
How do you tailor your audits to different industries or company sizes?
I customise each audit to fit your company’s specific needs, whether you’re a small business or a large multinational corp. I take into account industry best practices, local (national) regulations, and your company’s unique culture to ensure the audit provides maximum value.
What results can I expect from a retainer contract?
With a retainer, you gain continuous access to my expertise, ensuring that your workplace culture evolves in the right direction. You can expect regular updates, proactive advice, and support on emerging issues to keep your environment compliant and respectful.
Can I request additional services?
Yes! My services are flexible and can be adjusted based on your ongoing needs. Whether it’s updating policies, providing additional training, or consulting on specific issues, I’m here to support your organisation’s long-term success. Many clients choose to start with Ad Hoc advisory and end up sticking around.
How do you ensure confidentiality during the audit process?
Confidentiality is critical in my work. I ensure all information gathered during the audit is treated with the highest level of discretion, in line with local regulations like GDPR. Reports and recommendations are only shared with authorised stakeholders within your organisation. I’ll check with you before I share anything about our work with anyone else.
What’s the difference between a full audit and ad hoc policy review?
An audit provides a comprehensive analysis of your workplace culture, policies, and practices, including interviews, demographic surveys, and focus groups. The audit is obviously significantly more in depth too. Ad hoc policy reviews, however, focuses primarily on evaluating and updating written documents to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Both are done with prevention of harm in mind.
Do you help with implementing the audit recommendations?
Yes, I offer implementation support as part of my services. While audits provide a roadmap for improvement, I can also assist with rolling out changes, training teams, and ensuring that new policies are effectively integrated into your organisation’s operations. Either way, we’ll schedule to catch up 3 months and 12 months after you receive my report and recommendations to see what the impact has been.
How do I know if my company needs an audit or a retainer?
If you’re unsure whether an audit or retainer is the right fit, I can help you assess your needs during a curiosity call. If you’re looking to make significant changes or ensure compliance, an audit might be the first step. If you need ongoing support to maintain improvements, a retainer contract would be ideal. If you’re looking for a quick win or to test the water, then Ad Hoc Advisory is a perfect place to start.
Can an audit help us prevent harassment and improve workplace culture?
Yes, that’s exactly what an audit aims to do! It identifies potential gaps in your current culture and practices, providing a clear action plan for addressing issues like harassment and improving inclusivity, respect, and safety.
What happens if I don’t agree with the findings or recommendations from the audit?
My goal is to provide clear, actionable insights that will benefit your organisation. If you have concerns or disagreements with the findings, we’ll have a discussion to clarify points and make sure the recommendations align with your company’s goals and culture. This happens so rarely, but is understandably always a big concern for overstretched leaders. That being said, there will almost certainly be work to do and some of that could feel overwhelming initially.
What makes your approach to audits and retainers different from other consultants?
My approach is rooted in practical, evidence-based strategies tailored to your company’s unique culture and needs. As a former academic, I focus on looking at the bigger (international, national and local) picture to help you to make sustainable, long-term changes, not just quick fixes, and I prioritise safety and proactive prevention over reactive measures.
How do you measure the success of an audit or retainer?
Success is measured by tangible outcomes, such as improved workplace culture, enhanced employee engagement, reduced incidents of harassment (but a short term increase in reporting!), and greater alignment with company values. We set clear goals at the outset and track progress over time.
Are your audit recommendations aligned with local regulations?
Yes, I ensure that all recommendations are compliant with relevant local laws and regulations, which is particularly important for international companies. This helps safeguard your organisation against legal risks while fostering a respectful and compliant workplace which has the most vulnerable in mind.
How can I get started with your audit or retainer services?
To get started, simply reach out to me for a curiosity call. We’ll discuss your company’s needs, goals, and challenges, and then we can outline the scope and timeline for either the audit or advisory services that best suit your organisation.
