Scope the question

We begin by defining the issue, jurisdictions, time horizon, and exposure areas that matter to the client — then identify the relevant ecosystems. Each draws on over 200 primary and secondary sources.

Collect and structure the evidence

Vellum gathers and organises relevant developments within a defined coverage window. This includes careful attention to:

• Official sources
• Named actors
• Dates and chronology
• Legal and policy status
• Current law versus proposed change
• Enforcement and implementation signals

The aim is not to gather everything. It is to gather what matters and structure it properly.

Analyse relevance and uncertainty

We assess what the evidence shows, what can reasonably be inferred, and what remains uncertain. This stage is where Vellum's work moves beyond summary. We examine significance, direction of travel, client exposure, and decision relevance without overstating what the evidence can support.

Deliver a structured output

The final product is delivered as a clear, organised intelligence output rather than an undifferentiated update. Depending on format, that may include:

• What changed since the last brief
• Why it matters
• Confidence levels
• Implications for the client
• Next-step considerations
• Issues to watch over the next 30, 60, and 90 days

Support recurring judgement

For recurring clients, Vellum coverage is cumulative. Each cycle is designed to help the client understand what is genuinely new, what remains stable, what is becoming more likely, and where further action or attention may be required. This creates continuity over time rather than isolated updates.