diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 733986eda..53764363c 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -135,6 +135,20 @@ nox -s docs
 nox -s serve_docs
 ```
 
+### Documentation Index
+
+| Resource | Description | Link |
+|----------|-------------|------|
+| Getting Started | Step-by-step setup and first plan | [docs/guides/getting-started.md](docs/guides/getting-started.md) |
+| CLI Reference | All `agents` commands and flags | [docs/api/cli-reference.md](docs/api/cli-reference.md) |
+| Python API | Application layer API reference | [docs/api/python-api.md](docs/api/python-api.md) |
+| Architecture Overview | Six-layer architecture and design | [docs/architecture/overview.md](docs/architecture/overview.md) |
+| ADR Index | Architecture Decision Records | [docs/adr/index.md](docs/adr/index.md) |
+| Release Notes | Version history and release notes | [docs/release-notes/index.md](docs/release-notes/index.md) |
+| Observability | LangSmith, logging, metrics | [docs/observability.md](docs/observability.md) |
+| Contributing | Contributor guide | [docs/development/contributor-guide.md](docs/development/contributor-guide.md) |
+| Quality Automation | Nox, pre-commit, CI | [docs/development/quality-automation.md](docs/development/quality-automation.md) |
+
 ## Tests
 
 Behave feature scenarios live under `features/` and Robot suites under `robot/`. Use the Nox sessions above to execute them in parity with the implementation plan.
diff --git a/docs/development/contributor-guide.md b/docs/development/contributor-guide.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cf0ae8449
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/development/contributor-guide.md
@@ -0,0 +1,617 @@
+# Contributor Guide
+
+This guide walks you through the practical day-to-day workflow for contributing to
+CleverAgents Core. It complements [CONTRIBUTING.md](../../CONTRIBUTING.md) (which defines
+the rules and standards) by focusing on the *how* — concrete commands, conventions, and
+checklists you need to get from idea to merged PR.
+
+> **New here?** Start with [CONTRIBUTING.md](../../CONTRIBUTING.md) to understand the
+> project's philosophy, then return here for the step-by-step workflow.
+
+---
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+1. [Prerequisites and Environment Setup](#prerequisites-and-environment-setup)
+2. [Fork and Clone Workflow](#fork-and-clone-workflow)
+3. [Branch Naming Conventions](#branch-naming-conventions)
+4. [Commit Message Format](#commit-message-format)
+5. [Pre-commit Hooks](#pre-commit-hooks)
+6. [Running the Test Suite](#running-the-test-suite)
+7. [Writing New Tests](#writing-new-tests)
+8. [Code Style](#code-style)
+9. [Type Checking](#type-checking)
+10. [ADR Process](#adr-process)
+11. [PR Submission Checklist](#pr-submission-checklist)
+12. [Review Process](#review-process)
+13. [Further Reading](#further-reading)
+
+---
+
+## Prerequisites and Environment Setup
+
+### System Requirements
+
+| Tool | Minimum Version | Notes |
+|------|----------------|-------|
+| Python | 3.13 | Required; the CI pipeline targets 3.13 |
+| Git | 2.40+ | For `git add -p` interactive staging support |
+| Node.js | 18+ | Only needed for Commitizen (`npm install -g`) |
+| Docker | 24+ | Optional; needed for integration tests and Helm |
+
+### Initial Setup
+
+```bash
+# 1. Clone your fork (see Fork and Clone Workflow below)
+git clone https://git.cleverthis.com/<your-username>/cleveragents-core.git
+cd cleveragents-core
+
+# 2. Create and activate a virtual environment
+python -m venv .venv
+source .venv/bin/activate          # Linux / macOS
+# .venv\Scripts\activate           # Windows
+
+# 3. Install all development dependencies
+pip install -e ".[dev,tests,docs,tui]"
+
+# 4. Run the setup script — installs pre-commit hooks and verifies tooling
+bash scripts/setup-dev.sh
+
+# 5. Verify the CLI works
+agents --help
+agents --version
+
+# 6. (Optional) Install Commitizen for interactive commit messages
+npm install -g commitizen@2.8.6 cz-customizable@4.0.0
+```
+
+### Environment Variables
+
+For local development you do not need a real LLM API key. The test suite uses a mock
+provider automatically:
+
+```bash
+export CLEVERAGENTS_TESTING_USE_MOCK_AI=true
+```
+
+For LangSmith tracing (optional):
+
+```bash
+export CLEVERAGENTS_LANGSMITH_ENABLED=true
+export CLEVERAGENTS_LANGSMITH_PROJECT=my-dev-project
+export CLEVERAGENTS_LANGSMITH_API_KEY=<your-key>
+```
+
+---
+
+## Fork and Clone Workflow
+
+CleverAgents uses a **fork-and-branch** model. All contributions come through a personal
+fork, never by pushing directly to the upstream repository.
+
+```bash
+# 1. Fork the repository on Forgejo (click "Fork" in the UI)
+
+# 2. Clone your fork
+git clone https://git.cleverthis.com/<your-username>/cleveragents-core.git
+cd cleveragents-core
+
+# 3. Add the upstream remote so you can pull in future changes
+git remote add upstream https://git.cleverthis.com/cleveragents/cleveragents-core.git
+
+# 4. Verify remotes
+git remote -v
+# origin    https://git.cleverthis.com/<your-username>/cleveragents-core.git (fetch)
+# upstream  https://git.cleverthis.com/cleveragents/cleveragents-core.git (fetch)
+
+# 5. Keep your fork up to date before starting new work
+git fetch upstream
+git checkout master
+git merge upstream/master
+git push origin master
+```
+
+---
+
+## Branch Naming Conventions
+
+All feature branches must be created from `master` and follow this naming pattern:
+
+```
+<type>/<short-description>
+```
+
+Where `<type>` matches the Conventional Changelog type of the primary change:
+
+| Type | When to use |
+|------|-------------|
+| `feat` | New feature or capability |
+| `fix` | Bug fix |
+| `docs` | Documentation only |
+| `refactor` | Code restructuring without behavior change |
+| `test` | Adding or updating tests |
+| `chore` | Build scripts, tooling, CI changes |
+| `perf` | Performance improvement |
+| `style` | Formatting, whitespace (no logic change) |
+
+**Examples:**
+
+```bash
+git checkout -b feat/session-export-markdown
+git checkout -b fix/tui-persona-switch-crash
+git checkout -b docs/contributor-guide
+git checkout -b refactor/actor-registry-cleanup
+```
+
+**Rules:**
+- Use lowercase and hyphens only — no underscores, no spaces.
+- Keep descriptions short (3–5 words).
+- One logical change per branch. If you are fixing two separate bugs, use two branches.
+- Never commit directly to `master`.
+
+---
+
+## Commit Message Format
+
+All commits must follow the
+[Conventional Changelog standard](https://github.com/conventional-changelog/conventional-changelog-eslint/blob/master/convention.md).
+This format drives automated changelog generation and makes history searchable.
+
+### Structure
+
+```
+<type>(<scope>): <short summary>
+
+<body — what was done and why>
+
+<footer — issue references>
+```
+
+### Rules
+
+- **First line:** `<type>(<scope>): <summary>` — 72 characters max, imperative mood.
+- **Blank line** between subject and body.
+- **Body:** Explain *what* and *why*, not *how*. Include trade-offs and rationale.
+- **Footer:** Reference issues with `ISSUES CLOSED: #<n>` or `Refs: #<n>`.
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+feat(cli): add session export markdown format
+
+Implemented --format md flag for `agents session export`. Markdown
+transcripts are human-readable and suitable for sharing outside the
+platform. JSON export remains the default for round-trip fidelity.
+
+ISSUES CLOSED: #312
+```
+
+```
+fix(tui): prevent crash when switching persona with empty session
+
+The PersonaSwitchOverlay called actor.get_context() before the session
+was initialized, causing an AttributeError. Added a guard that returns
+early when session is None.
+
+ISSUES CLOSED: #298
+```
+
+### Using Commitizen (recommended)
+
+Commitizen guides you through the format interactively:
+
+```bash
+git add -p          # stage changes selectively
+git cz              # interactive commit (replaces git commit)
+```
+
+---
+
+## Pre-commit Hooks
+
+Pre-commit hooks run automatically on every `git commit`. They catch issues before they
+reach CI. The full list of hooks is documented in
+[quality-automation.md](quality-automation.md#pre-commit-hooks).
+
+### Key hooks and what they check
+
+| Hook | What it checks | Auto-fixes? |
+|------|---------------|-------------|
+| `ruff-format` | Code formatting (PEP 8 + Ruff style) | ✅ Yes |
+| `ruff` | Linting rules (unused imports, style issues) | ✅ Partial |
+| `pyright` | Static type errors in `src/` | ❌ No |
+| `bandit` | Security vulnerabilities | ❌ No |
+| `vulture` | Unused / dead code | ❌ No |
+| `commitizen` | Commit message format (commit-msg stage) | ❌ No |
+| `check-yaml` | YAML syntax validity | ❌ No |
+| `check-toml` | TOML syntax validity | ❌ No |
+| `debug-statements` | Stray `pdb` / `breakpoint()` calls | ❌ No |
+
+### Running hooks manually
+
+```bash
+# Run all hooks on all files
+pre-commit run --all-files
+
+# Run a single hook
+pre-commit run ruff-format --all-files
+pre-commit run pyright --all-files
+
+# Re-install hooks after pulling changes to .pre-commit-config.yaml
+pre-commit install
+pre-commit install --hook-type commit-msg
+```
+
+> **Tip:** If a hook auto-fixes files, stage the fixes (`git add -p`) and re-run
+> `git commit`. The hooks will pass on the second attempt.
+
+---
+
+## Running the Test Suite
+
+All tests are run through **Nox** — never invoke Behave or Robot Framework directly.
+
+```bash
+# Run everything (mirrors CI)
+nox
+
+# Individual sessions
+nox -s format            # Ruff auto-formatting
+nox -s lint              # Ruff linting
+nox -s typecheck         # Pyright type checking
+nox -s unit_tests        # Behave BDD unit tests
+nox -s integration_tests # Robot Framework integration tests
+nox -s coverage_report   # Coverage report (must be ≥97%)
+nox -s security_scan     # Bandit + Semgrep + Vulture
+nox -s dead_code         # Vulture dead code detection
+nox -s complexity        # Radon complexity analysis
+nox -s pre_commit        # Run all pre-commit hooks via Nox
+nox -s adr_compliance    # Verify ADR compliance
+```
+
+### Coverage requirement
+
+Coverage must remain **≥ 97%** at all times. If your change drops coverage:
+
+```bash
+# See exactly which lines are uncovered
+nox -s coverage_report
+```
+
+Then add Behave scenarios to cover the missing lines (see
+[Writing New Tests](#writing-new-tests)).
+
+### Using the mock AI provider
+
+The test suite never calls external LLM APIs. The mock provider is activated
+automatically when `CLEVERAGENTS_TESTING_USE_MOCK_AI=true` is set. The setup script
+configures this for you, but you can also set it manually:
+
+```bash
+export CLEVERAGENTS_TESTING_USE_MOCK_AI=true
+nox -s unit_tests
+```
+
+---
+
+## Writing New Tests
+
+CleverAgents uses **Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)** exclusively for unit-level tests.
+Do not write xUnit-style tests (pytest, unittest). All new behavior must be expressed as
+Gherkin scenarios.
+
+### Where tests live
+
+```
+features/               # Behave BDD feature files and step definitions
+  *.feature             # Gherkin scenarios
+  steps/                # Step definition modules
+robot/                  # Robot Framework integration suites
+  *.robot               # Robot test files
+```
+
+### Writing a Behave scenario
+
+1. **Find or create the feature file** for the behavior you are testing.
+   - Check `features/` for an existing file that covers the same area.
+   - If none exists, create `features/<area>.feature`.
+
+2. **Write the scenario in Gherkin:**
+
+```gherkin
+Feature: Session export
+
+  Scenario: Export session as Markdown
+    Given an active session with three messages
+    When I run "agents session export --format md --output transcript.md"
+    Then the file "transcript.md" exists
+    And the file contains a Markdown heading with the session ID
+```
+
+3. **Implement the step definitions** in `features/steps/`:
+   - Check for an existing step file that covers the same behavior.
+   - Extend it rather than creating a duplicate.
+   - Name feature-specific step files after their feature (e.g., `session_export_steps.py`).
+   - Shared steps go in clearly named reusable files.
+
+4. **Never commit a feature file without its step implementations.** Every scenario must
+   be fully implemented — no placeholder steps.
+
+5. **Run your new tests:**
+
+```bash
+nox -s unit_tests
+```
+
+### BDD best practices
+
+- Write scenarios from the user's perspective, not the implementation's.
+- One scenario per behavior — keep scenarios focused and independent.
+- Use `Background:` for shared setup that applies to all scenarios in a feature.
+- Prefer `Given/When/Then` over `And/But` for the first step of each section.
+- Avoid testing implementation details — test observable behavior.
+
+---
+
+## Code Style
+
+CleverAgents uses **Ruff** for both formatting and linting. There is no separate Black or
+isort configuration — Ruff handles everything.
+
+### Formatting
+
+```bash
+# Auto-format all files
+nox -s format
+
+# Or run Ruff directly
+ruff format src/ features/ tests/
+```
+
+Ruff formatting is enforced by pre-commit hooks and CI. If your editor supports it,
+configure it to run `ruff format` on save.
+
+### Linting
+
+```bash
+# Run linting
+nox -s lint
+
+# Auto-fix safe issues
+ruff check --fix src/
+```
+
+### Key style rules
+
+- **File length:** Keep files under 500 lines. Break large files into focused modules.
+- **Imports:** Import only what you need — no wildcard imports (`from x import *`).
+- **Naming:** Follow Python conventions — `snake_case` for functions/variables,
+  `PascalCase` for classes, `UPPER_SNAKE_CASE` for constants.
+- **No debug statements:** Remove all `print()`, `pdb`, and `breakpoint()` calls before
+  committing.
+- **Docstrings:** Public classes and functions must have docstrings.
+
+### Editor integration
+
+Most editors can run Ruff automatically. For VS Code, install the
+[Ruff extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=charliermarsh.ruff)
+and add to your settings:
+
+```json
+{
+  "editor.formatOnSave": true,
+  "[python]": {
+    "editor.defaultFormatter": "charliermarsh.ruff"
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+## Type Checking
+
+CleverAgents uses **Pyright** in `strict` mode. All code in `src/cleveragents/` must be
+fully type-annotated with zero type errors.
+
+```bash
+# Run type checking
+nox -s typecheck
+
+# Or run Pyright directly
+pyright src/cleveragents/
+```
+
+### Rules
+
+- **Annotate everything:** Every function signature, parameter, return type, and
+  variable declaration must have explicit type annotations.
+- **No suppression:** Never use `# type: ignore`, `cast()` without justification, or
+  `Any` as a shortcut. If Pyright flags something, fix the root cause.
+- **Generics:** Use `TypeVar`, `Generic`, and `Protocol` where appropriate rather than
+  falling back to `Any`.
+
+### Common patterns
+
+```python
+# Good — fully annotated
+def export_session(session_id: str, format: Literal["json", "md"]) -> Path:
+    ...
+
+# Bad — missing annotations
+def export_session(session_id, format):
+    ...
+```
+
+If Pyright reports an error on code you believe is correct, check `pyrightconfig.json`
+for the project's strict-mode configuration before assuming it is a false positive.
+
+---
+
+## ADR Process
+
+Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) capture significant architectural choices. Before
+making a structural change to the codebase, check whether an ADR is needed.
+
+### When to write an ADR
+
+Write an ADR when your change:
+
+- Introduces a new architectural pattern or layer
+- Changes how a core abstraction (actor, tool, resource, session, etc.) works
+- Adds a new external dependency that affects the architecture
+- Makes a decision that is difficult or costly to reverse
+- Resolves a significant trade-off between competing approaches
+
+You do **not** need an ADR for:
+- Bug fixes
+- Documentation updates
+- Adding new CLI flags or commands that fit existing patterns
+- Refactoring that does not change behavior or interfaces
+
+### How to write an ADR
+
+1. **Read the ADR index** at [`docs/adr/index.md`](../adr/index.md) to understand the
+   format, front-matter fields, tier system, and status lifecycle.
+
+2. **Assign the next sequential number.** Check the existing ADRs and use the next
+   available number (currently ADR-049 and above).
+
+3. **Create the file** at `docs/adr/ADR-<NNN>-<kebab-case-title>.md`.
+
+4. **Write the front-matter** with required fields:
+   ```yaml
+   ---
+   adr_number: 49
+   title: "Your Decision Title"
+   status_history:
+     - ["2026-04-13", "Draft", "Your Name"]
+   tier: 2
+   authors: ["Your Name"]
+   superseded_by: null
+   related_adrs: []
+   acceptance:
+     votes_for: []
+     votes_against: []
+     abstentions: []
+   ---
+   ```
+
+5. **Write the body** with these sections:
+   - **Context** — what problem or situation motivated this decision?
+   - **Decision Drivers** — the forces and constraints shaping the decision
+   - **Decision** — the choice made, stated clearly
+   - **Consequences** — positive and negative outcomes; trade-offs accepted
+   - **Compliance** — how to verify the decision is being followed
+
+6. **Propose the ADR** by updating `status_history` to `Proposed` and opening a PR.
+   The ADR must be reviewed and accepted before implementation begins.
+
+7. **After acceptance**, update the specification (`docs/specification.md`) to incorporate
+   the decision. The specification is the authoritative source of truth.
+
+> **Reference:** See [ADR-033](../adr/ADR-033-decision-recording-protocol.md) for an
+> example of a well-structured ADR.
+
+---
+
+## PR Submission Checklist
+
+Before opening a Pull Request, verify every item below. PRs that do not meet these
+requirements will not be reviewed.
+
+### Code quality
+
+- [ ] All pre-commit hooks pass (`pre-commit run --all-files`)
+- [ ] All Nox sessions pass (`nox`)
+- [ ] Test coverage is ≥ 97% (`nox -s coverage_report`)
+- [ ] No Pyright type errors (`nox -s typecheck`)
+- [ ] No Bandit security findings (`nox -s security_scan`)
+
+### Commits
+
+- [ ] Every commit follows Conventional Changelog format
+- [ ] Every commit references its issue (`ISSUES CLOSED: #<n>` or `Refs: #<n>`)
+- [ ] Each commit is atomic — one logical change, independently buildable
+- [ ] No debug statements, temporary code, or unrelated edits in any commit
+- [ ] History has been cleaned up with interactive rebase if needed
+
+### PR metadata
+
+- [ ] PR description explains the change and its motivation
+- [ ] PR includes a closing keyword for every linked issue (`Closes #<n>`)
+- [ ] PR is assigned to the correct milestone (matching linked issues)
+- [ ] PR has exactly one `Type/` label (`Type/Feature`, `Type/Bug`, `Type/Task`, etc.)
+- [ ] Linked issues are added as Forgejo dependencies with the correct direction
+      (PR **blocks** the issue; issue **depends on** the PR)
+
+### Documentation and housekeeping
+
+- [ ] Relevant documentation updated alongside the code change
+- [ ] Changelog updated with one entry per commit
+- [ ] `CONTRIBUTORS.md` updated if this is your first contribution
+- [ ] No build artifacts or install dependencies in any commit
+- [ ] Version bumped if the change warrants it (new feature, bug fix in released version)
+
+### If an ADR was needed
+
+- [ ] ADR written, proposed, and accepted before implementation
+- [ ] Specification updated to reflect the accepted ADR
+
+---
+
+## Review Process
+
+### What happens after you open a PR
+
+1. **Automated CI runs** — all checks must pass before a reviewer looks at the code.
+   Fix any failures before requesting review.
+
+2. **Initial feedback within 48 hours** — a maintainer will review your PR and either
+   approve it or request changes.
+
+3. **Address requested changes** — push new commits (do not force-push to a PR under
+   review unless asked). Each round of feedback should result in a new commit that
+   addresses the specific requests.
+
+4. **Approval and merge** — once all requirements are met (see
+   [CONTRIBUTING.md — Review and Merge Requirements](../../CONTRIBUTING.md#review-and-merge-requirements)),
+   a maintainer will merge the PR.
+
+5. **Post-merge** — move the linked issue(s) to `State/Completed`.
+
+### Self-approval
+
+Self-approval is permitted for automated bot PRs and for maintainers making routine
+changes. For all other contributions, at least one other person must approve.
+
+### What reviewers look for
+
+Reviewers evaluate:
+
+- **Correctness** — does the code do what it claims? Does it satisfy the acceptance
+  criteria of the linked issue?
+- **Readability** — is the code clear, well-named, and easy to follow?
+- **Test coverage** — are the BDD scenarios adequate? Do they cover edge cases?
+- **Type safety** — are all types annotated and correct?
+- **Security** — does the code introduce any unsafe patterns?
+- **Style** — does the code follow project conventions?
+
+### Responding to review comments
+
+- Address every comment, even if just to explain why you disagree.
+- If you disagree with a requested change, explain your reasoning — maintainers are open
+  to discussion.
+- Mark comments as resolved only after the change is made or the discussion is settled.
+
+---
+
+## Further Reading
+
+| Document | Description |
+|----------|-------------|
+| [CONTRIBUTING.md](../../CONTRIBUTING.md) | Full contribution rules, code of conduct, versioning, issue management |
+| [quality-automation.md](quality-automation.md) | Nox sessions, pre-commit hooks, CI pipeline, security scanning |
+| [automation-tracking.md](automation-tracking.md) | Automation tracking and quality metrics |
+| [docs/adr/index.md](../adr/index.md) | ADR index, format reference, tier system, status lifecycle |
+| [docs/specification.md](../specification.md) | Authoritative system specification |
+| [docs/architecture.md](../architecture.md) | Architecture overview |