Overview

The following are some common questions that have been asked about the Before The Last Straw Services. The list is updated based on the frequency of new questions.

 

Questions

Question:

What is the purpose, duration and cost of the initial no obligation and confidential discussion meeting ?

Answer:

The purpose of the discussion is to enable the client and myself to determine whether my services are appropriate for the client's specific situation.

 

There is no cost for this meeting (even if in the process of explaining the situation, the client identifies how to resolve it without outside assistance) and may:

• be in person or by telephone.
• take somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour.

 

Question:

Do you provide your services outside of Adelaide ?

Answer:

Yes, however please note that, while the initial no obligation and confidential discussion meeting may be conducted by telephone, an important dynamic of Before The Last Straw Services is that they are provided "face to face".

 

Travelling and associated expenses to deliver the "face to face" component may be recouped from the client depending on distances and location.

 

Question:

What do you do when providing these services ?

Answer:

While there may be specific processes used for each service, the common methodology is to:

• read the material provided by the client;
• listen to the client's outline of the:
  • circumstances;
  • the key issues;
  • the desired outcome;
  • the concerns;
• ask questions;
• challenge the veracity of assumptions;
• challenge the reality of expected results;
• examine alternatives;
• facilitate consensus as to the preferred option;
• facilitate development of an action to achieve the preferred option.

 

Question:

Are these services confidential ?

Answer:

Yes, each aspect of the service is covered by confidentiality provisions that bind all parties unless disclosure is required under prevailing legislation.

 

These provisions are included in:

• the initial enquiry (if made by via the Contact Form on the Contact Me page); and
• the email confirming the arrangements for the initial no obligation and confidential discussion meeting; and
• the Service Agreement covering the requested service.

Question:

Do you provide services on fee or retainer basis ?

Answer:

With the exception of the sounding board type services, I do not provide retainer based services as this may be perceived to compromise my status as an independent external consultant who:

• does not have a predetermined option that has to be achieved; and/or
• does not have a personal hidden agenda or bias; and/or
• is not involved in the client's internal / external politics.

Question:

When providing these services are you acting as an "expert adviser" ?

Answer:

No, the nature of the services that I provide under the Before The Last Straw Services business name are such that, providing "expert advice" would compromise my status and effectiveness as an independent external consultant.

 

The email confirming the arrangements for the initial no obligation and confidential discussion meeting, specifically clarifies that I am not acting in the capacity of an:

• Accountant;
• Legal Adviser;
• Investment Adviser;
• Finance Broker;
• Counsellor/ Therapist;
• Conciliator/ Arbitrator/ Adjudicator; or
• Other Technical / Subject expert.

This declaration is also covered in the service agreement.

Question:

Where "expert advice" is required do you arrange the provision of this advice ?

Answer:

No, where expert advice is required during the provision of the service, it would normally be provided by an expert from the client's existing panel unless the client decides to engage an alternative expert.

 

Question:

What do you mean by "situation specific" services ?

Answer:

The Services are effectively "once off" tailored to address the client's specific situation and requirements.

 

Question:

Do these services duplicate or replace services provided by the client's existing service providers ?

Answer:

No, while some of the services require that I undertake my own analysis of data and information provided by the client, the source of this data and information is generated from either:

• the client's internal and/or external service providers; or
• alternative service providers engaged by the client.

Question:

With regard to the Circuit Breaker for Couples service (a Mediation type service), are you a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) as per the provisions of the Australian Family Law Legislation.

Answer:

No I am not an FDRP nor do I provide services which require an FDRP.

 

I do however, provide the Circuit Breaker for Couples service out of a belief that strong healthy family units are essential to our society.

 

This service is a pre-dispute collaborative type mediation service focused on assisting couples who have each and jointly made the decision that they:

• are committed to their relationship; and
• wish to work together to address emerging issues before they become relationship breaking disputes; and
• would like the assistance of an independent trained mediator (preferably external to their social group),  to assist them in the developments of an action plan which they both agree is realistic and achievable.