Workplace Investigations

Disciplinary Investigations

From time to time allegations are raised or suspicions aroused that someone is breaking your organisation’s rules or Code of Conduct.  Before any organisation can act there is a overwhelming need for an investigation to elicit the facts.

We will act promptly, as required by the ACAS Code of Practice; that need is even greater if the employee has been suspended.

We will examine documents and interview witnesses.  We will ensure that witnesses understand the need for confidentiality and give every witness the opportunity to check the accuracy of their statement.  Then we will draw together all the evidence and provide your organisation with a comprehensive report to form the basis of any disciplinary hearing if the need arises.

If your organisation has responsibilities for the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults the law requires additional considerations to be taken into account. We understand the legislation and will work cooperatively with your Safeguarding Childrens Board or Safeguarding Adults Board.

Investigation Reports

Following any investigation we undertake for you, whether it be disciplinary or grievance, we will provide a comprehensive report which will set out all the evidence in appendices.

We will test the evidence against your organisation’s policies and procedures and any legislation that is material to the disciplinary allegations or grievance complaint.

Our reports include a methodology, a comprehensive account of the investigation itself, the findings and, if required, recommendations.

Our reports are well received by the legal profession and, should it be required, form the basis of any necessary documentation bundle to be put to an Employment Tribunal.

Importantly, our reports are written in plain English making them accessible to all who need to read them, understand the content and potentially defend themselves.

Grievance Investigations

When an organisation receives a grievance from an employee it is always a cause for concern.  Grievances can be about a whole range of things including allegations of bullying or harassment against a colleague or a manager.

It is imperative that grievances are properly investigated as a failure to do so can lead to sickness absences, personal injury claims or members of the team taking sides and forming cliques in support of, or against, the complainant.  Any of these things are detrimental to the organisation.

We will begin a grievance investigation by interviewing the complainant to properly appreciate their complaint and understand the outcome they are hoping to achieve.  We always try to manage expectations.

We will examine documents, interview witnesses and provide a comprehensive report.  Occasionally a grievance investigation leads to disciplinary action against another employee; our report into the grievance will itself form the basis of disciplinary action.  There will be no requirement for a disciplinary investigation in addition to the grievance investigation.

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If your organisation has suspicions or allegations of a disciplinary matter against an employee or has received a grievance complaint from a member of staff contact us for advice or to enlist our services in undertaking an disciplinary or grievance investigation.