Received a Section 236 request and unsure how worried you should be?
Answer 15 questions to find out exactly where you stand, in under 3 minutes.
A liquidator, administrator or trustee is asking for your documents and answers. What you don't yet know is what they're really looking for, or how exposed you are. This free assessment gives you a clear, confidential picture before you respond.
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Not sure how serious the investigation really is?
It measures, and helps you improve, three things
So that you can respond to the request from a position of clarity, not fear. These are the three things that decide how a Section 236 investigation unfolds.
Your exposure level
How likely the investigation is to escalate, and which parts of your conduct as a director are most likely to draw scrutiny.
The state of your records
What you should preserve now, what may be missing, and where the gaps could count against you if the matter goes further.
Your readiness to respond
How prepared you are to answer the request without making the early mistakes that turn a routine enquiry into a claim.
Answer 15 questions. Get your result instantly.
The first ten questions look at your conduct as a director against what the law expects. The last five build the full picture. There are no right answers, only an honest one, and "unsure" is always allowed.
15 quick questions
Under three minutes, most answered with a single tap.
Your exposure score
A single number from 0 to 100, placed in one of four bands.
Two or three key insights
What your answers reveal, and what it means for the investigation.
Your recommendations
Clear, immediate next steps matched to your result.
Built by a team of specialist director-defence advisers
Powered by Essential Counsel & Winston Law AI
For over 30 years, our team has helped company directors navigate insolvency investigations and claims. Now we combine that specialist strategic advisory experience with purpose-built legal AI.
We are strategic advisers, not solicitors. See the notice at the foot of this page.
The legal framework
The assessment is built around the same law and process an officeholder uses to investigate:
• Section 236, Insolvency Act 1986: the court's power to require documents, information and, in some cases, a private examination
• The investigative duties of liquidators, administrators and trustees
• How officeholders use Section 236 to prepare claims such as misfeasance (s.212) and wrongful trading (s.214)
Where will you land?
Your score places you in one of four bands. Each band comes with a recommended next step.
Low
Few signs the investigation will escalate. Keep your records safe and prepare a measured response.
Moderate
Some areas may attract attention. A specialist review before you respond is advisable.
Significant
Several areas are likely to be looked at closely. Preparation before you respond is recommended.
High
A higher risk that the investigation leads to a personal claim. Speak to a specialist soon.
Straight answers to fair questions
Are you a law firm or solicitors? +
No. This is an information product powered by Essential Counsel and Winston Law AI. We are not a law firm, we are not solicitors, and the assessment does not provide legal advice or legal services. It is designed to help you understand your position and decide what to do next.
Is this legal advice? +
No. The assessment is an indicative, automated risk-profiling tool for information only. It is not a substitute for advice on your specific circumstances. You should take specialist advice before responding to any request or claim.
What is a Section 236 request? +
Section 236 of the Insolvency Act 1986 gives the court power, on the application of an officeholder such as a liquidator, administrator or trustee, to require directors and others to produce documents and information and, in some cases, to attend a private examination. It is an investigatory, information-gathering tool, often an early step before any decision is taken about a claim.
Is it free and confidential? +
Yes. The assessment is completely free. You provide only your name and email so we can send your results and report. Your answers are treated in strict confidence.
How long does it take? +
Under three minutes. Fifteen questions, most answered with a single tap, and your score, insights and recommendations appear immediately.
Find out where you stand before you respond
Start the assessment. It's just 15 questions and takes less than three minutes.
It's free · Your results are immediate · You get recommendations straight away