An introducer and a service provider have different responsibilities. Understanding that distinction helps a client know who can answer a question, who makes decisions about an engagement and whose terms govern the work.
This article is general information. It is not legal or tax advice. It describes a practical relationship model, not the rules for a particular profession or location.
What an introducer does
An introducer helps identify the need, shares relevant context with permission and connects the client with a potential independent provider. Coordination may also include arranging conversations, confirming who is responding and helping keep the handoff clear.
An introduction is not an engagement. It does not mean that the provider has approved the client, accepted the matter or agreed a scope. It also does not establish that a particular approach is suitable.
Starboard acts as an introducer and coordinator. It can help frame the request and maintain communication around the introduction. It does not make the provider's professional judgments or perform the underlying professional work.
What the provider decides
The independent provider reviews the prospective client and matter. It decides whether to proceed, what information is required and which services it is prepared to include. If it accepts the work, its written engagement terms should address scope, fees, responsibilities, timing and communication.
A provider may ask further questions, request records through an appropriate channel, narrow the proposed scope or decline the engagement. Those decisions belong to the provider. Acceptance by one provider does not bind another provider and does not guarantee an outcome.
What the client should confirm
Before work begins, the client should know:
- the legal or business name of the provider;
- the specific work included in the engagement;
- the work and decisions that remain outside scope;
- the fees, payment terms and likely additional costs;
- the people authorised to give instructions;
- the expected communication and document channels; and
- how either party can end the engagement.
If advice is required, confirm who is responsible for giving it. If several providers are involved, identify where one scope ends and another begins. A single coordinator does not turn separate engagements into one combined professional service.
Information sharing and onboarding
Basic context can help a prospective provider assess whether a conversation is worthwhile. Sensitive records should not be sent through a general inquiry. Once a provider is considering an engagement, it should explain its own review and secure collection process.
Permission to make an introduction should be specific. The client should understand what context will be shared, with whom and for what purpose. The provider remains responsible for its own checks and acceptance decision.
After the introduction
Coordination can continue without changing the role boundary. Starboard may help keep communication moving, but the client and provider remain responsible for decisions within their relationship. Questions about professional advice, accepted scope or provider deliverables should be resolved with the provider.
Keep the engagement letter and later scope changes together. Record key decisions and ask for clarification when responsibilities are unclear. Clear roles make it easier to direct questions to the right party and to see when a separate professional engagement may be needed.