What should be recorded about specialist advice?¶

Record who advised, what facts they received, the precise question, the advice and its limitations, and how it affected the decision taken.

Preserve the basis of the advice¶

Identify the specialist's name, role, organisation, contact route and relevant expertise, with date, time and circumstances. Document the device or account state, identifiers, risks and other facts supplied. Advice based on incomplete information should remain recognisable as such.

Capture conditions, alternatives, cautions and requests for more information, not just the preferred action. Make a contemporaneous note of verbal advice and retain emails, messages, tickets, call references and instructions. Do not broaden a specialist's conclusion beyond what they actually said.

Connect advice to responsibility¶

Record whether the advice was followed fully, partly or not at all. Where the decision differed, state why and who held authority. If the situation materially changed, note whether updated advice was sought.

Specialist input informs technical judgement but does not transfer lawful authority, proportionality or operational responsibility away from the decision-maker. Advice against an action can be as important to the record as a recommendation.