The tool is a self-service guide which helps colleagues carry out early due diligence on a potential new partner or contact. It uses publicly available sources of information and helps to answer four key questions:

• Who are they? Verifying an organisation’s legal structure and history
• Should we work with them? Examining their reputation and standing and whether it is right for the University to be seen to be working with them
• Are they the best partner? Looking at their expertise and reputation for the type of interaction we might have with them
• Can we work with them? Establishing if there are any legal reasons why working with them might not be possible.

The tool will help colleagues collate the information necessary to be able to make a reasonable judgement about whether exploring a relationship with a potential partner is a good idea. If in doubt, you should discuss this with your manager.

The University has existing due diligence processes in place for specific activities – such as supplier onboarding via Procurement. This is not intended to replace those established processes: it is for the earliest stage of new interactions, when you meet someone at a conference or event, or an external organisation makes contact with you to explore a new opportunity.

Access the tool (please note sign-in may be required).