Begin with the decision your systems proposal must support

Please describe the business decision that has made systems important to your board: a separation, a reporting change, a retirement programme or an unclear responsibility for retained records. An anonymised account of the organisation, ownership and intended board contribution is enough to begin. Product histories, contract terms and internal assessments should remain with their authorised owners until a proper basis for sharing exists. I would ask about the directors' existing expertise, the proposed committee remit, commercial overlaps and the calendar. I am exploring a first non-executive appointment alongside current CIO employment, with preparation, employer consent and company-specific review still required. My experience may help test the business meaning behind a systems claim. The initial conversation should establish whether that perspective is relevant and what further evidence the chair needs before either side treats the discussion as an appointment commitment.