From diagnostic to delivery

AI implementation normally starts with a Discovery & Governance Sprint. Bounded questions, document reviews, workshops and keynotes can begin as focused Expert Input without a full diagnostic.

Choose the proportionate starting point

You do not need to buy a large transformation programme. Start with the smallest engagement that can resolve the decision in front of you.

Compare Herbst Systems engagements by situation, output, fee and timing
Your situationStart hereWhat you leave withFeeTypical timing
A bounded question, document or eventExpert InputAn independent review, working session or keynoteFrom £1,200 for reviews and sessions; keynotes from £1,500Agreed to the brief
A team needs shared understanding and practical next stepsWorkshopFacilitated session, agreed actions and optional findings note£1,450 half-day or £2,400 full-dayHalf or full day
You need to decide what is worth fundingDiscovery SprintAI Decision Brief and 90-Day Roadmap£3,500 standard or £5,500 extendedOne or two weeks
The case is clear and a workflow needs testingPilot BuildWorking prototype, governance notes and handover£9,500 focused or £14,000 extendedDefined in the fixed scope
A tested workflow needs controlled organisational rolloutImplementation PilotAdoption, governance cadence, evaluation and operating handoverFrom £15,0004–6 weeks
Leadership and governance are needed over timeFractional CAIOOperating cadence, governance and implementation oversight£2,750–£7,500/monthThree-month initial term

Services

Start Here

Discovery & Governance Sprint

A paid diagnostic to assess your AI readiness, identify high-value use cases, and receive an AI Decision Brief and 90-Day Roadmap.

Deliverables (what you leave with):

  • Ranked use-case shortlist (value × feasibility × risk)
  • Data and risk boundaries (what can and cannot be used)
  • Governance model (decision rights, guardrails, approvals)
  • Pilot specification + success metrics + evaluation plan
  • 90-day implementation roadmap (what to do next, in what order)

Investment: £3,500 standard or £5,500 extended

Timeline: One week standard; two weeks extended

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Ongoing Partnership

Fractional CAIO

Strategic AI leadership on retainer. I embed 1-3 days per month to build governance, test workflows, and pilot systems that stick.

Investment: £2,750–£7,500/month

Commitment: Three-month initial term; continuation by agreement

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Delivery

Pilot delivery (two routes)

Pilot Build: working prototype

A focused prototype to test a workflow change quickly. The objective is a usable system with clear owners, governance considerations, and handover.

Investment: £9,500 focused or £14,000 extended

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Implementation Pilot (4–6 weeks)

A controlled rollout to embed the workflow change: governance cadence, stakeholder adoption, evaluation, and iterative improvement, ending with a maintainable operating routine.

Investment: From £15,000

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Universities and research units

AI Strategy, Policy, and Workshops

Half-day or full-day sessions on AI governance, policy frameworks, and practical implementation for higher education institutions.

Format: Half-day or full-day sessions

Audience: Faculty, research leaders, administrators

Investment: £1,450 half-day or £2,400 full-day

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Focused engagement

Expert Input

Keynotes, independent reviews, working sessions and advisory input for a defined decision, document or event, without a full implementation project.

Reviews and working sessions: From £1,200

Keynotes: From £1,500

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All prices exclude VAT where applicable. Agreed travel and third-party costs are confirmed in writing before work starts.

Ready to start?

Start with a diagnostic for implementation, or use Expert Input for a bounded question, review or event.

Apply for a Discovery & Governance Sprint

Explore Expert Input