I am inspired to write about this topic in corporate governance practice because I am of the humble view that if certain experiences are brought to the fore, it will raise awareness and cause us to address them in a more effective manner.

As corporate governance actors, we are aware that an organisation will be externally audited,seek external support with legal, project, actuarial and other services. This is notwithstanding that the organisation has skilled competence in house.

Sometimes, as the internal resource, you may find yourselves departing in points of view with the externally sourced staff to the point where the assignment begins to be adversely impacted. The reasons could range from delays in settlement of fees to technical and even personality matters!

It goes without saying that the corporate would be the grass while the internal and external resources fight like elephants… certainly not desirable and flies in the teeth of the principle that actors in an organization should conduct themselves in the best interest of the organisation.

I am of the view that one of the first things that should be done and done meticulously are the terms of engagement that should include the scope of work and points of interface between the internal professionals (who would be the main contact persons)and the external support team.

I would recommend that the parties take time to have a session where the approach to the assignment is explained by the external team and the internal team has an opportunity to interrogate it and provide clarity where need be within the framework of the terms of engagement.

As much as possible, it is important that periodic review/ site visits and so on, are agreed, performed and recorded to avoid surprises at the conclusion of the exercise. This also accords the parties to respectively attend to rectification of any snags or misapprehensions.

I also think that maintaining cordial relations through respectful, business and ethical conduct and communication is key… even when the situation is such that tensions are taking an uphill and rather tight character.

I am curious to hear helpful tips from colleagues so that we can grow together through sharing!

Thank you!