We all see news media and less formal but nonetheless "passionate" posts about the Brexit process - but how to tell "truth" from "fake"? Well for those who are either interested enough or who just (unfortunately) have to plan for Brexit as part of their professional work - the TRUTH is out there!

In reality this post should only be two links and that is it - but I will try and pad it a bit, maybe three links and few short paragraphs.

The European Commission's policy on transparency requires that documents are published to the public, and I suspect (although don't know for certain) that this approach has perhaps obliged the UK Government to publish more than they would normal want to. Normally the UK Government and Civil Service has a bias to treating such documents as secrets for the few.

You can find the published document here:

• Negotiating documents on Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom
• Collection - Article 50 and negotiations with the EU

Obviously working through the documents takes effort, but in reality there are not so many nor are they so long. Certainly if I was working on Information Architecture and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or on Supply Chain Architecture & Customs & Logistics - I would want to know what some of these documents said, how they contrast and what they don't cover ...

There is probably one worth flicking through anyway, the Joint technical note on EU-UK position on citizens' rights after fourth round of negotiations. Anyone who has been involved in complex negotiations will understand the spreadsheet immediately - a long list of issues with the UK and EU positions, next action and owner, and a RAG status of the gap. I remember my days negotiating with NHS Authority fondly!

And from it you will probably notice a few things: good progress, many items closed, actions on both sides (contrary to reports in some papers), and you can consider the gaps and come to your own view as to when and how they will be closed. My feeling is that this stream seems to be working to a resolution - overall YELLOW or GREEN.

It is also worth pointing out that there is no [published] equivalent document for the financial or Ireland streams. And as this is such a common methodology we have to conclude the UK and EU have not yet managed to get an agreed consolidated view of the streams' issues, let alone working through them.

But again - the information is there for you read, don't trust me - come to your own conclusions!

About me

I am a solution director, enterprise architect and IT strategist with over 25 years architecture and design experience. I have held senior architectural roles in health, consumer banking & fund trading, insurance, and government and have wide experience across business and technology, business development, and programme delivery.

I am also a Trustee of Anorexia & Bulimia Care, a national UK eating disorders charity. We provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. We always desperately require support and donations.

Thank you

Adrian Sutherland