Terms & Conditions

Black Box Research & Consultancy Ltd
Last updated: 24th November 2025.

Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before using our website or commissioning any services from Black Box Research & Consultancy Ltd.

By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

About Us

Black Box Research & Consultancy Ltd (“Black Box”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is a UK-based organisation specialising in:

• Expert testimony
• Programme evaluation
• Research and analysis
• Specialist training
• Consultancy relating to criminal exploitation, modern slavery and the criminal justice system

Registered in England & Wales.
Email: info@blackboxresearchandconsultancy.com

Phone: (+44) 151 380 0278

Definitions

• “Client” / “you” - any individual, organisation or representative instructing Black Box or using our website.
• “Services” - expert witness work, consultancy, training, research, evaluations, written reports, analysis, presentations or advice.
• “Website” - www.blackboxresearchandconsultancy.com
   and associated pages.

Scope of Services

Black Box provides:

• Independent expert witness testimony for criminal courts, asylum and tribunal hearings
• Specialist training for agencies, organisations and professionals
• Evaluations of programmes, projects and interventions
• Academic and policy research
• Consultancy relating to exploitation, vulnerability and criminal justice practice

Important limitations

• We do not provide emergency response or crisis services.
• We do not provide legal advice.
• Information on our website is general information only and should not be relied upon as professional or legal advice.

Expert Witness Instructions 

Independence

Black Box experts act independently at all times. Our duty is to the court, not to the instructing party.

Requirements for instruction

Clients must provide:

• Written instructions
• Key questions/issues to be addressed
• All relevant evidence (e.g., MG5/MG3, prosecution bundle, witness statements, phone downloads, exhibits, NRM documents, social care records, medical/psychological assessments)

Limitations

Reports are based solely on the information provided. Black Box is not responsible for missing, withheld or inaccurate material.

Deadlines

Deadlines must be agreed in advance. Urgent work may incur additional fees.

Court Attendance

Court attendance fees apply. Attendance is subject to prior availability.

Training, Workshops & Events 

Bookings are confirmed once payment or a purchase order is received.

• Cancellation within 14 days of the event may incur a cancellation fee.
• Training materials (slides, handouts, recordings) remain the intellectual property of Black Box.
• Training may not be recorded, distributed or shared without written permission.

Research & Evaluation Services 

• Reports and analytical outputs remain the intellectual property of Black Box unless otherwise agreed.
• Black Box is not responsible for decisions, policy changes or actions taken by clients based on research findings.
• Any request to publish, share or reproduce research findings must be agreed in advance.

Fees & Payments Terms

• Fees are confirmed prior to accepting instructions.
• Invoices are due within 30 days unless otherwise agreed.
• Late payments may incur interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
• Expenses (travel, accommodation, transcription, urgent work) may be charged separately.

Confidentiality 

Black Box handles all client information in accordance with data protection laws and our Privacy Notice.

However, we may disclose information if:

• Required by law or court order
• Necessary to prevent serious harm
• Required for safeguarding purposes

We do not guarantee the security of information transmitted electronically (e.g., email, WhatsApp), though we take all reasonable steps to protect data.

Safeguarding

If information shared with us indicates a risk of significant harm, exploitation or danger to life, we may share relevant details with statutory agencies in line with safeguarding duties.

Black Box is not an emergency service.
For emergencies, contact 999 or local safeguarding authorities.

Use of WhatsApp and Digital Communication

WhatsApp contact is for initial enquiries only and must not be used for emergencies.

Messages may be stored according to WhatsApp’s own privacy and security policies, which are outside our control.

Intellectual Property

All intellectual property produced by Black Box-including:

• Expert witness testimony/reports
• Training content
• Research outputs
• Evaluation frameworks
• Presentations
• Website content

remains the exclusive property of Black Box unless expressly agreed in writing.

Clients may not copy, distribute, adapt or reproduce Black Box materials without permission.

Website Use

When using our website, you agree that:

• You will not use the site for unlawful or harmful purposes.
• We are not responsible for the accuracy of external links.
• Website information is provided “as is” without warranties.

Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Black Box is not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages.
• We are not responsible for losses arising from incomplete or inaccurate information provided by clients.
• We are not liable for interruptions, delays or failures caused by factors beyond our control (e.g., server outages, cyberattacks).

Nothing in these Terms limits liability where it cannot be excluded by law.

Complaints

Complaints should be submitted in writing to:

info@blackboxresearchandconsultancy.com 

We aim to acknowledge complaints within 5 working days and provide a response within 20 working days.

Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.

Changes to These Terms

Black Box may update these Terms & Conditions at any time.
The date of the most recent update will appear at the top of this page.

Contact Us

For questions about these Terms & Conditions, contact:

info@blackboxresearchandconsultancy.com 

(+44) 151 380 0278