Map who can decide what during a closure
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A closure coordinator can organise the work without having power to approve every decision. An accountant can advise without becoming the business's decision-maker. A site manager can supply facts without owning the equipment.
Draw an authority map around decisions, then ask the appropriate legal adviser to check the formal basis. The map is a working explanation of established arrangements, not a document that creates new powers by itself.
Use one row for one defined decision
Start with an action such as instructing marketing for a specified asset group, approving a contractor expense or agreeing a customer response. Broad entries like "all closure matters" are hard to check and easy to misuse.
| Field | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Relevant person or entity | Whose property, contract or obligation is involved? |
| Information provider | Who can supply the current facts? |
| Adviser | Who is assessing the legal, tax or other question? |
| Authorised decision route | What process and people can approve this action? |
| Conditions and evidence | What must be resolved and where is the supporting record? |
For companies, the Insolvency Service points directors to their articles and later resolutions when identifying their powers. The actual documents and circumstances need review; a familiar title is not enough to complete the map. Record shareholding separately from the role of running the company.
Try the map against a real request
Suppose the auctioneer asks whether an additional machine can be included. The map should show who confirms the machine's current business use, who checks any ownership question and how the final instruction is authorised.
If the request reaches someone who only coordinates information, the referral route should be obvious. Recording a director instruction helps preserve the capacity, scope and conditions when the proper decision is made.
Keep shared family or partner involvement distinct from formal powers. Equal involvement and authority explains why listening to someone's concerns and accepting their instruction are separate actions.
Update the map when roles, entities or relevant arrangements change. An authority-change notice should identify the affected decisions rather than merely announce a new contact name.
Provide UK Auction Group with the current instruction route and any unresolved condition before commitments are considered. Supporting documents can be supplied through an appropriate controlled process when needed.
A useful map reduces the number of times people have to guess who can answer. It also leaves a clear blank where authority has not yet been established, giving the adviser a precise question to resolve.
Explore advisers and sale authority.
Sources
This guide is general information and education only. Legal, tax, employment and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser who knows your situation. Read the disclaimer.