Investigations
How to Prepare for an Investigation
A practical guide for organizations and individuals who are considering commissioning an independent investigation. Learn what to gather, how to organize your materials, and what to expect throughout the process.
4 min read
Why Preparation Matters
The success of an investigation depends significantly on the quality and completeness of the initial brief. When clients arrive prepared - with their documents organized, their questions clearly defined, and their timeline expectations realistic - the investigation proceeds more efficiently and produces more actionable results. Poor preparation, on the other hand, leads to delays, scope changes, and increased costs.
This guide walks you through the key steps of preparation so that when you engage an investigative service like Auralis Associates, you are positioned to get the most value from the process.
Step 1: Define Your Research Question
Before contacting an investigator, spend time clarifying what you actually want to know. A vague request like "look into this company" is much harder to scope than a specific question like "did Company X misrepresent its financial position to investors between 2021 and 2023?" The more precisely you can articulate your research question, the more accurately the investigator can estimate the scope, timeline, and cost.
It is perfectly acceptable to arrive with a hypothesis that may be disproven. The purpose of an investigation is to find the facts, not to confirm what you already believe. A clear starting question simply provides a direction for the inquiry.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Collect any documents, records, or data that may be relevant to the matter you want investigated. This can include:
- Corporate filings, annual reports, or financial statements
- Contracts, agreements, or correspondence
- Meeting minutes or internal memos
- Media articles or press releases related to the subject
- Digital records (emails, messages, social media posts)
- Photographs, video recordings, or audio files
Organize these materials chronologically and provide a brief description of each item. Digital files should be in their original format when possible - do not convert or compress them. If you have physical documents, consider whether they can be scanned.
Step 3: Identify Key People
Make a list of the individuals and organizations involved in or connected to the matter. For each, note their role, their relationship to the subject of the investigation, and any contact information you have. If there are people who might serve as sources or witnesses, include them as well. The investigator will assess which contacts are relevant and determine the best approach for engagement.
Be honest about relationships and potential conflicts of interest. If you have a personal or business relationship with any of the subjects, disclose this upfront. The investigator needs a complete picture to plan the work and manage potential sensitivities.
Step 4: Set Your Timeline and Budget
Consider what deadlines apply to your situation. Are you preparing for a board meeting, a legal filing, a publication date, or an internal review? Investigations take time - typically 2 to 4 weeks for short engagements and 1 to 3 months for comprehensive ones. Major investigations can run longer. Communicate your deadlines clearly so the investigator can tell you whether they are realistic.
On budget, having a range in mind is helpful. At Auralis Associates, a short investigation starts at $2,800, a comprehensive investigation at $8,500, and a major investigation at $18,000 (all in CAD before HST at 13%). These are project rates, not hourly - the scope is agreed upfront so you know the total cost before work begins.
Step 5: Understand the Process
An investigation is not a one-way transaction. You provide the brief and materials; the investigator conducts the work; but throughout the process, there will be questions, updates, and decision points that require your input. Expect to:
- Participate in a scoping meeting to define the research question and approach
- Review and approve a detailed proposal before work begins
- Pay a deposit (at Auralis Associates, this is 30% of the project fee)
- Receive regular progress updates at agreed intervals
- Respond to the investigator's questions in a timely manner
- Review the draft report and provide feedback during revision rounds
Step 6: Know What to Expect in the Report
A professional investigative report typically includes an executive summary, a description of the methodology, detailed findings with supporting evidence, and conclusions. It should clearly distinguish between verified facts, reasonable inferences, and areas where the evidence is inconclusive. At Auralis Associates, reports are delivered in PDF and DOCX format and include source notes and appendices.
The report presents facts as found, not as you hope to find them. If the investigation does not support your initial hypothesis, the report will say so clearly. This independence is what gives the report its credibility.
Step 7: Consider Legal Implications
If the matter under investigation has potential legal implications (litigation, regulatory action, employment disputes), consult with a lawyer before or alongside engaging an investigator. An investigative report is a factual document, not a legal opinion. However, the findings may be used in legal proceedings, and your lawyer can advise on how to structure the engagement to protect privilege where applicable.
In Canada, there are specific considerations around privacy law (PIPEDA), defamation, and source protection that a qualified lawyer can help you navigate. At Auralis Associates, we are experienced in working alongside legal counsel and can coordinate our process with legal requirements when needed.
Preparation Checklist
- Research question clearly defined in writing
- Relevant documents gathered, organized, and described
- List of key individuals and organizations with roles and contact info
- Timeline and deadlines identified
- Budget range established
- Legal counsel consulted (if legal implications exist)
- Internal approvals obtained to proceed with the engagement
- Point of contact designated for communication with the investigator
Next Steps
When you are ready, contact Auralis Associates to schedule an initial consultation. Bring your preparation materials - or as much as you have ready - and we will help you scope the investigation, estimate the timeline and cost, and determine the best approach. Initial consultations are at no charge and without obligation.
For details on our investigative reporting service, visit the Investigative Reporting page. For information on budgeting, read our guide on Budgeting for Media Services.