Advise

We help you decide what to build, even when the answer is don't.

Before Anything Gets Built

The most expensive mistakes in government and enterprise technology happen before a single line of code is written. A system gets commissioned to solve the wrong problem. A platform gets built that nobody asked for. A vendor gets chosen on price, not capability.

PretaGov's Advisory service exists to catch these mistakes early, when they are still cheap to fix.

We have spent eighteen years on both sides of this problem: building the systems that succeed, and being called in to assess the ones that didn't. That gives us a clear view of what good looks like before commitment, not after.

What We Offer

Discovery. Structured investigation into the problem you are actually trying to solve, the users you are solving it for, and the constraints that will shape any solution. Discovery produces a clear set of requirements and recommendations, not a sales pitch for a particular technology.

AI Readiness. An honest assessment of whether AI is the right tool for your problem, what data and infrastructure would be needed to support it, and what the realistic risks and limitations are. We have built AI systems. We know where they work, and where they don't.

Due Diligence. Independent technical assessment of a vendor, a platform, or an existing system, for procurement teams, boards, and oversight bodies who need a clear answer before they commit funds.

Fractional CTO. Ongoing technical leadership for organisations that need senior digital expertise without a full time hire. We sit alongside your team, not above it.

Procurement. Support through tender design, technical specification, and evaluation, ensuring requirements are written so that the right suppliers can respond, and the right supplier can be chosen.

Assurance. Independent review of a system, a project, or a delivery partner, against the standards that matter: security, accessibility, performance, and long term maintainability.

Why Independent Advice Matters

Most technology advice comes from the people who want to build the thing. That is not a criticism, it is simply a structural conflict of interest.

PretaGov's Advisory engagements are built to stand on their own. We are as comfortable telling you not to build something, or to choose a different supplier, as we are recommending our own delivery team. Our credibility depends on being right, not on winning the next contract.

Who This Is For

Government departments and regulators preparing a business case or tender. Boards and oversight bodies who need an independent technical opinion before signing off. Organisations evaluating whether an existing system or vendor is still fit for purpose. Teams considering AI and needing a realistic, evidence based assessment rather than enthusiasm.

How It Works

Engagements typically begin with a short scoping conversation to understand what decision you are trying to make and by when. From there, we agree a fixed scope and timeframe, so you know what you are getting and when you will have it.

Outputs are written for the audience that needs to act on them, whether that is a board, a procurement panel, or a delivery team. Clear findings, clear recommendations, no padding.