Preparing a board pack after a dealing enquiry

When an enquiry — internal or external — touches dealing activity, the board paper should separate facts on the filings from interpretation. Mixing the two makes later correction harder.

Suggested sections

1. Chronology — trades, notifications, announcements, list changes
2. Document status — what is complete, what is missing
3. Open questions — for counsel, not for speculative answers in the minute
4. Next steps — document reconstruction, legal advice, or no further action

Tone that holds up

Prefer “the register shows” and “the notification states” over “it is clear that.” If an independent filings review has been commissioned, annex the findings note rather than paraphrasing it into softer language.

Timing

Aim to circulate the paper with the chronology annex at least two clear days before the meeting. Boards that receive dealing tables on the morning of the meeting rarely have time to ask the right questions.