Preparing an IT handover.

Before you begin.

A handover is a description of responsibility as well as technology. An inventory does not prove that backups work or accounts are configured correctly. Mark unknown items for review and avoid sending passwords in a general enquiry.

Your preparation checklist.

Tick items as you review them. Selections are temporary and are not saved when you leave or reload this page.

• Inventory devices, users and business-critical applications.
• Identify account owners and authorised administrators.
• List subscriptions, renewal responsibilities and provider contacts.
• Record network and connectivity arrangements.
• Describe backup arrangements and the last verified recovery exercise, if known.
• List unresolved issues and planned changes.
• Agree an appropriate credential transfer method separately.

Turn the checklist into a brief.

Summarise what is known, what still needs checking and who can answer the outstanding questions. Add relevant timing and location information. This gives the service discussion a useful starting point without assuming the final scope.

Do not include sensitive records or passwords in the initial enquiry. Describe the type of information involved and agree an appropriate way to share any supporting material.