Engagement Terms

1. Basis of engagement

No work should be treated as accepted unless and until scope, availability, commercial terms, and any necessary confidentiality basis have been confirmed by 9-intelligence in writing.

An inquiry, introductory conversation, or exchange of information does not by itself create a binding engagement unless acceptance is clearly stated.

2. Scope of work

Each engagement is limited to the scope expressly agreed for that matter. Deliverables, timelines, assumptions, reporting format, and any exclusions should be set out in writing or otherwise clearly confirmed.

If the matter evolves, the scope may need to be revised. Additional work falling outside the original scope may require separate approval, revised timing, and additional fees.

3. Client responsibilities

The client is responsible for providing information, instructions, contacts, materials, and approvals reasonably needed for the work to proceed properly. The client should ensure that information supplied is accurate to the best of their knowledge and that they have authority to provide it.

• Provide timely and accurate instructions.
• Share only information that can lawfully be disclosed.
• Notify the business promptly if priorities, timing, or risk posture changes.
• Review outputs within a reasonable time where feedback or decisions are required.

4. Confidentiality

Information shared in the course of a properly accepted engagement should be treated as confidential, subject to legal, professional, operational, or security-based exceptions that may reasonably apply.

Where a separate confidentiality agreement, non-disclosure agreement, or engagement letter exists, that document should prevail to the extent of any inconsistency with this page.

5. Fees and payment

Fees are charged on the basis agreed for the matter, whether fixed-fee, staged, retainer-based, time-based, or another pricing structure confirmed in writing.

• Invoices are payable within the agreed payment period.
• Work may be paused if required deposits, retainers, or overdue invoices remain unpaid.
• Reasonable expenses or third-party disbursements may be charged where applicable and agreed.
• Taxes, duties, or regulatory charges may apply depending on jurisdiction and client status.

6. Timing and delivery

Any estimated timeframe is an estimate only unless expressly confirmed as fixed. Delivery timing may depend on client responsiveness, source accessibility, complexity, external conditions, and the evolving nature of the matter.

While reasonable effort is made to meet agreed timing expectations, exact outcomes, timing, or developments outside our control cannot be guaranteed.

7. Third-party sources and reliance

Work may draw on third-party information, records, interviews, databases, public materials, or other external inputs. While care is taken in collection and interpretation, the accuracy or completeness of third-party material cannot always be guaranteed.

Outputs should therefore be understood in context and used with judgement.

8. Ownership and permitted use of work product

Unless otherwise agreed, 9-intelligence retains ownership of its methodologies, templates, working papers, know-how, internal systems, and pre-existing materials. The client is granted a limited right to use final deliverables for the purpose for which they were prepared.

Deliverables should not be redistributed, published, relied on by third parties, or repurposed beyond the agreed use without prior written consent.

9. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, liability is limited to losses directly arising from the accepted engagement and excludes indirect, consequential, reputational, special, or economic loss unless such limitation is not legally permitted.

The work is decision-support in nature and depends on scope, assumptions, source availability, timing, and client-provided inputs. It should not be treated as an absolute guarantee of outcome, absence of risk, or future result.

10. Suspension or termination

An engagement may be suspended or terminated where necessary, including for non-payment, lack of cooperation, legal or ethical risk, conflict concerns, safety considerations, or if continuing would no longer be appropriate.

Where an engagement ends, the client remains responsible for fees and properly incurred costs relating to work already performed up to the date of suspension or termination.

11. Governing law and jurisdiction

These engagement terms are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising in connection with the engagement should be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, unless mandatory law requires otherwise.

12. Contact

If you have a question about these engagement terms, please contact us using the details below.