South Doc Services: Honing Investigation Skills in Healthcare

South Doc Services (SDS) is a non-profit GP co-operative based in South Birmingham. Since 1996, they have successfully provided primary, community, and secondary care-based services, ensuring high-quality healthcare for their patients. As a healthcare provider, SDS understands the importance of a fair, transparent, and well-managed workplace, where concerns are addressed effectively, and investigations are conducted professionally.

Recognising the need to equip their team with robust investigation skills, SDS first partnered with UK Resolution by The TCM Group in 2023 for Core Investigation Skills training. Following the success of the initial training, they chose to work with us again in 2024 to further embed best practices within their organisation.

The Challenge

Workplace investigations in healthcare settings present unique challenges. Confidentiality, safeguarding concerns, and the impact on both staff wellbeing and patient care mean that investigations must be conducted with rigour, impartiality, and procedural fairness. SDS wanted to ensure that their managers and team leaders had the confidence and expertise to handle sensitive cases effectively and in line with best practice.

The Solution: Core Investigation Skills Training

Delivered by an experienced trainer, Chis Howarth, our one-day Core Investigation Skills training focused on equipping SDS participants with the essential knowledge and practical tools to conduct fair and impartial investigations. The course covered:

• Best-practice approaches to workplace investigations
• Gathering and assessing evidence objectively
• Conducting structured, sensitive interviews
• Producing clear, legally sound investigation reports

The training was interactive and tailored to the specific challenges faced by SDS, incorporating real-world case studies and practical exercises to ensure relevance.

The Impact

The training received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 100% of participants stating it met or exceeded their expectations in course structure, trainer knowledge, relevance of exercises, and overall setup.

For SDS, strengthening internal investigation skills means they can resolve workplace concerns fairly, maintain trust among staff, and ensure compliance with employment policies and healthcare regulations. Participants left the training with greater confidence in their ability to handle investigations, and many praised the course for its relevance, practical approach, and engaging delivery.

David Johnson, Service Operations Manager, shared:
“An engaging and most valuable course, providing a great deal of useful info and resources to begin undertaking the Core Investigator role within the company. Chris was very knowledgeable and supportive.”

For those new to workplace investigations, the training provided a clear and structured foundation. Susan Brookers, Clinical and Deputy Training Hub Lead, noted:
“As a newcomer to the subject of workplace investigation, I found the training engaging and informative.”

The tailored nature of the course ensured that SDS could apply the learning directly to their organisational needs. Katie Russell, Projects & Partnerships Manager, commented:
“Thank you for providing such an insightful and comprehensive session for us that was adapted to the needs of our organisation.”

Beyond theory, the session equipped participants with practical tools they could immediately implement in their roles. Steve King, Service Manager, described it as:
“A very good course with plenty covered in a single day. Very worthwhile.”

Looking Ahead: A Strong and Ongoing Partnership

By investing in Core Investigation Skills Training, SDS has strengthened its ability to conduct fair, consistent, and legally sound workplace investigations. With enhanced confidence and expertise, their teams are now better prepared to handle workplace concerns before they escalate.

We are delighted that SDS chose to work with UK Resolution by The TCM Group again in 2024, reaffirming their commitment to best-practice workplace investigations. We look forward to our continued partnership and supporting SDS in fostering a fair, transparent, and well-managed workplace.

For small and medium-sized organisations, NHS bodies and GPs, and parish councils looking to strengthen their workplace investigation capabilities, UK Resolution by The TCM Group provides expert-led training tailored to real-world challenges — helping organisations create positive, well-managed workplace cultures.

Don’t hesitate – get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to share how we can support your organisation with world-class professional skills and accreditations.