Why Investing in a Quality Review is Worth It
Understanding the True Value of Independent Animal Care Program Reviews
For animal care and use programs in New Zealand and Australia, regular independent reviews are not only a mandatory compliance requirement—they’re an essential investment in the integrity and effectiveness of the program. At Dana Briggs Consulting, we understand that high-quality reviews come with a price tag.
Prospective clients often ask, “Why does a review cost so much?”
In this post, we’ll explore the critical reasons behind the investment and why it’s essential to choose a reviewer with the right skills, experience, and processes.
1. Reviews Require Specialised Expertise—Not Everyone Can Do Them
Independent reviews go beyond just ticking compliance boxes. They require a specific skill set that’s distinct from other roles in the animal care and use industry. A professional reviewer needs the objectivity, insight, and technical know-how to thoroughly assess a program and identify areas for improvement.
Reviews are our core service at Dana Briggs Consulting. Our team not only brings 20 years of experience in industry, we are qualified, experienced auditors. Some of us are even accredited by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries to conduct independent reviews in New Zealand. That means we know how to translate our industry expertise into a high-quality review.
This depth of skills, qualifications and experience allows us to approach each review with fresh eyes and a critical, informed perspective. Our goal is not only to help you meet compliance requirements but to set you up for long-term success.
2. Refined Processes and Clear Communication at Every Step
Running a review isn’t a simple task. At Dana Briggs Consulting, we operate as a full-fledged business with established workflows, communication protocols, and audit industry standard processes designed to provide maximum value without disrupting your program’s operations.
Here’s a look at our review workflow:
Discovery Call: We start by discussing your unique needs and assessing if we’re the right fit for your project.
Proposal and Agreement: Once we’ve tailored the project scope, we present a detailed proposal. Our agreements are clear, and we’re flexible about working with your internal processes.
Scheduling and Instruction: After confirming the engagement, we coordinate with your team to schedule key milestones and provide a comprehensive Client Manual to guide you through each step.
Review Execution and Opening Meeting: With key stakeholders present, we officially kick off the review, ensuring that everyone involved understands the project scope and objectives.
Project and Deliverables: We complete the review with professionalism and precision, including all deliverables such as a full report, a summary report for broader audiences, and recommendations tailored to your program.
3. High-Quality, Detailed Deliverables That Drive Meaningful Change
We take pride in delivering comprehensive and actionable reports that go beyond a list of findings. Here’s what our clients receive:
Full Report: A detailed document covering findings, recommendations, and suggestions for program improvement.
Summary Report: A second, condensed report written for a broad audience, ideal for sharing insights with stakeholders, funders, and the public.
Prioritised Findings: Our findings are classified as Must, Should, and May, helping you clearly prioritise your resources and plan for the most impactful changes.
Follow-Up Support: We don’t just hand over the report and leave. Approximately 10-14 weeks after delivering the final report, we conduct a follow-up session to address any questions and support your team in implementing the recommendations.
4. Tailored Recommendations and a Wealth of Industry Knowledge
Every program is unique, and we customise our recommendations to suit the specific context and goals of your program. At Dana Briggs Consulting, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” solutions. We share our extensive industry knowledge throughout the review process, uplifting not only individual programs but the entire sector.
Our aim is to make your review a valuable learning experience, highlighting best practices and innovative strategies that can drive real, measurable improvement. By integrating our knowledge with your program’s needs, we help foster excellence across the board.
5. Strategic Coaching to Turn Insights Into Improvement
While a review provides a roadmap for improvement, turning those insights into action often requires additional support. That’s why we offer a 20% discount on a 12-month coaching package for review clients. This package enables you to leverage the findings into strategic improvements, with guidance on implementing changes, refining processes, and achieving measurable results.
A Big-Ticket Item with Big Impact
At Dana Briggs Consulting, we know reviews are a significant investment. Starting from $20,000, our reviews provide value that extends well beyond the final report—improving risk management, strengthening regulatory compliance, and enhancing operational efficiency. It’s a big-ticket item, but one that helps your program achieve excellence, build stakeholder trust, and stay aligned with best practices.
In short, an independent review isn’t just a compliance exercise; it’s a strategic decision that pays off in both the short and long term. By budgeting ahead and choosing a reviewer with the right expertise and processes, you ensure your program can meet its regulatory requirements and achieve its highest standards.
Interested in learning more about how our reviews can benefit your program? Get in touch today to discuss how we can work together to create lasting impact.
