Terms of Engagement

1. The service

Critical Hire is a final-stage selection support service provided by Optitude Business Solutions Ltd (company number 12557209), trading as Optitude 360.

The service provides experienced, independent selection judgement before you make an offer for a consequential hire. It does not replace your own decision-making, your HR function, or your legal obligations as an employer.

2. Scope and engagement

Each Critical Hire engagement is scoped individually based on the role, the risk, the candidates, and the support required. The scope, fee, and timeframe are agreed in writing before the engagement begins.

No work begins until both parties have confirmed the scope and terms in writing.

3. Fees and payment

• Fees are fixed and agreed before the engagement begins
• Optional psychological testing through Talent Praxis Group is quoted separately where appropriate
• Invoices are payable within 30 days of issue
• All fees are exclusive of VAT, which is added at the prevailing rate

4. Timeframe

Most reviews are completed within 3–5 working days from the start of the engagement, depending on scope, candidate availability, interview scheduling, and whether optional psychological testing is included.

5. Decision Clarity Promise

If the review does not give you a sharper understanding of the role, the evidence, the candidate risk, and the questions still worth resolving before offer, we will complete an additional review session at no extra cost.

This promise applies to the quality and clarity of the review process and Decision Brief. It does not guarantee any specific appointment outcome.

6. Your responsibilities

As the client, you are responsible for:

• Providing accurate and complete information about the role, the business context, and the candidates
• Making candidates available for interviews or assessment at agreed times
• Making the final hiring decision — Critical Hire provides evidence and judgement support, not the decision itself
• Complying with all applicable employment law and regulations
• Obtaining candidate consent where required for any assessment or testing

7. Confidentiality

All information shared during a Critical Hire engagement is treated as confidential. We will not disclose any client or candidate information to third parties without your prior written consent, except where required by law.

If psychological testing is conducted through Talent Praxis Group, they will handle testing data in accordance with their own confidentiality and data protection obligations.

8. Limitation of liability

Critical Hire provides experienced selection judgement and evidence-based analysis to support your hiring decision. We do not guarantee the outcome of any appointment.

Optitude Business Solutions Ltd’s total liability under any engagement shall not exceed the fee paid for that engagement. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or special damages arising from the appointment or non-appointment of any candidate.

Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

9. Psychological testing

Where optional registered psychological testing is provided, it is delivered by Talent Praxis Group as a separate specialist provider. Talent Praxis Group is responsible for the selection, administration, and interpretation of psychological tests and the data generated.

Psychological testing is an additional source of evidence. It is not a standalone decision tool and does not replace experienced selection judgement.

10. Cancellation

Either party may cancel an engagement by providing written notice. If cancellation occurs after work has begun, the client is liable for fees proportionate to the work completed up to the date of cancellation.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Contact