Written by: The TCM Group

Best-practice in workplace investigations

10 Nov 2022

Share article:

Tags:

Unfortunately, for HR professionals, investigations can be an ugly and tricky part of the job with dire consequences if they’re not done right. Flawed investigations are one of the most common causes of failure at employment tribunals and the repercussions can be drastic for those involved.

While we’d all love to avoid formal investigations if we could, regrettably at times they are an essential response. When conducting an investigation, it is therefore imperative to take steps to ensure that findings are as accurate as possible.

Nick Snaith, one of TCM’s experienced investigators, recently delivered a webinar session exploring best-practice in workplace investigations. Nick is a former UK Law Enforcement officer with 26 years of experience in investigative and intelligence led policing in the UK and overseas and thus has extensive investigative experience.

Nick’s top tips for ensuring the validity and quality of workplace investigations include:

  • Invest in training: Nick asserts that currently a lack of training and regulation within the workplace investigations industry means that many investigators may not be equipped with all of the necessary skills and knowledge required. Ensuring your investigators are clued up on techniques, strategies and procedures will help to ensure they get investigations right first time around.
  • Research legislation: A thorough understanding of best-practice and legislation in regard to workplace investigation will help you to develop an understanding of the activities you can undertake, ensure you are acting within the law, as well as utilising all of the tools, evidence and routes of investigation available.
  • Awareness of organisational policies and procedures: as an investigator, often the work you will undertake will be to look into behaviour which will have violated an organisation’s policies, procedures and/or values. By being aware of these specifically, you can guide and inform your avenues of investigation to illustrate how company policies have been broken.
  • Be organised: It’s likely that you will need to sift through tonnes of information and data within an investigation. Utilise a well-structured folder system on a cloud storage platform to ensure that data related to your investigation is kept safe and well organised.
  • Utilise the internet and open data sources: the internet can be a key research tool for investigators. Often, information posted on open public forums and social media can be useful evidence in developing lines of investigation. Use this to your advantage.

If you would like to explore these tips in more detail watch the webinar recording here. Additionally, you can explore our investigation training and services here.

You may also like to read

24 Oct 2024 | Katrina Hinrichsen
King’s School Canterbury: Elevating HR Leadership with Coaching Skills
We share how one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the world tapped into the power of people professionals' coaching with our training course.
17 Oct 2024 | Katrina Hinrichsen
Webinar Recap: Exploring the Magic of Mediation
Are you creating chasms or building bridges? Our recent Mediation Eye-Opener Webinar dived into how mediation can be your informal yet powerful tool for conflict resolution, helping teams not just survive but truly thrive.
engage-coaching-coach-tcm-professional
11 Oct 2024 | Katrina Hinrichsen
Webinar Recap: Engage Coaching Eye-Opener
Our webinar recap highlights how coaching is a transformative force for businesses and employees alike. Delve into our unique strategies and models, and the profound impact coaching can have on workplace culture, resilience, and productivity.
27 Sep 2024 | Katrina Hinrichsen
How The University of Manchester Tapped into the Power of Facilitated Conversations
Facilitated conversations build a culture of openness, trust, and collaboration — key ingredients for any successful educational institution. Discover more in this case study.
investigations-investigative-process-triage-tcm-group
26 Sep 2024 | Katrina Hinrichsen
Webinar Recap: Elevate your Investigative Outcomes
In an investigative landscape, organisations face mounting challenges in managing complex cases with limited time and resources. Discover valuable strategies and insights into how investigative teams can achieve more impactful results.
neurodivergence-mediation-conflict-brain-adhd
24 Sep 2024 | Katrina Hinrichsen
Webinar Recap: Navigating Conflict with ADHD & Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence offers unique strengths and perspectives to the modern workforce. Yet without understanding and support, it can lead to barriers and conflict. Here's how to address it.