Terms of Reference (ToR)

1. Purpose

This Terms of Reference defines the framework under which Grové Advisory provides independent advisory, assurance, and leadership support to organisations undertaking complex data and transformation programmes.

The objective of each engagement is to support senior leadership in maintaining clarity, strengthening governance, and improving delivery confidence through objective, evidence-based insight and structured intervention where required.

2. Status and Positioning

Grové Advisory operates as an independent advisor to client leadership, distinct from delivery teams, system integrators, and internal programme functions.

The role is advisory and assurance-led, providing an external perspective on programme structure, execution, and risk. Accountability for decisions and delivery outcomes remains with the client organisation.

3. Scope of Engagement

The scope of each engagement will be formally agreed at initiation and documented within an engagement agreement. Services may include, but are not limited to:

3.1 Independent Programme Review

  • Assessment of programme governance, structure, and delivery capability

  • Evaluation of risks, dependencies, and execution readiness

  • Identification of gaps impacting delivery confidence

3.2 Programme Assurance and Recovery

  • Ongoing monitoring of programme health and performance

  • Identification of delivery risks, constraints, and root causes

  • Development and oversight of stabilisation or recovery plans

3.3 Fractional Programme Leadership

  • Provision of senior leadership capability where required

  • Strengthening of governance frameworks and decision structures

  • Alignment of stakeholders, delivery teams, and third parties

3.4 Data Strategy and AI Readiness Advisory

  • Assessment of data strategy alignment with business objectives

  • Evaluation of data platform maturity and governance structures

  • Identification of capability gaps impacting scalability and compliance

4. Principles of Engagement

All engagements are conducted in accordance with the following principles:

  • Independence – Advice is objective and free from external influence

  • Integrity – Findings are evidence-based and presented without bias

  • Clarity – Outputs are concise, structured, and decision-focused

  • Proportionality – Activities are aligned to material risks and priorities

  • Confidentiality – Information is handled with appropriate discretion and security

5. Governance and Reporting

5.1 Reporting Line

Grové Advisory will report into an agreed senior stakeholder or governance forum, typically one or more of the following:

  • Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Chief Data Officer (CDO) / Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

  • Programme Sponsor

  • Executive Steering Committee

5.2 Reporting Outputs

Reporting will be structured to support executive decision-making and may include:

  • Independent assessment reports

  • Programme health evaluations

  • Risk and issue analysis with associated impact

  • Recommended actions with prioritisation and sequencing

  • Executive briefings and presentations

5.3 Engagement Cadence

The cadence of engagement will be agreed at initiation and may include:

  • Regular working sessions with programme stakeholders

  • Periodic executive reporting

  • Escalation mechanisms for material risks or issues

6. Ways of Working

Grové Advisory will operate in a manner consistent with its advisory role:

  • Engagement is conducted directly with senior stakeholders and key delivery personnel

  • Activities are insight-led and outcome-focused

  • Challenge is applied constructively where required

  • Emphasis is placed on enabling effective decision-making rather than increasing process overhead

7. Client Responsibilities

To support effective delivery of advisory services, the client organisation is expected to:

  • Provide timely access to relevant stakeholders, documentation, and systems

  • Engage in an open and transparent manner

  • Maintain ownership of programme delivery and decision-making

  • Act on agreed recommendations within appropriate timeframes

8. Deliverables

Deliverables will be defined as part of each engagement and will be:

  • Relevant to the agreed scope

  • Structured to support executive understanding and decision-making

  • Focused on actionable insight rather than descriptive reporting

9. Confidentiality and Information Handling

All information received or generated during the course of an engagement will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purposes of delivering advisory services.

Information will not be disclosed to third parties without prior consent, except where required by applicable law or regulation.

10. Duration and Review

The duration of each engagement will be agreed at initiation. Engagements will be subject to periodic review to ensure:

  • Continued alignment with client objectives

  • Ongoing relevance of scope

  • Measurable progress against agreed outcomes

11. Commercial Arrangements

Commercial terms, including fees, invoicing, and scope boundaries, will be defined within a separate engagement agreement.

12. Limitations

Grové Advisory provides advisory, assurance, and leadership support. Responsibility for final decisions, programme governance, and delivery outcomes remains with the client organisation.