I have learnt so much in the last two days about conducting management investigations. I have learnt new skills and had fun at the same time. The trainer was great — extremely knowledgeable and engaging.

Berneslai Homes: Empowering Managers Through Practical Investigation Skills

Image credit: Berneslai Homes – their opening of the Berneslai Homes Academy at Barnsley College

Leading by Example: Berneslai Homes’ People-First Approach

Berneslai Homes is an award-winning social housing provider, managing approximately 18,000 homes on behalf of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. At the heart of the organisation is a clear commitment to community, customer care, and the continuous development of its people. The team believes in not just responding to issues but doing things properly, fairly and with confidence. That belief inspired them to invest in their managers’ capabilities with a tailored in-house training programme in conducting effective workplace investigations.

The Need: Building Confidence in Investigations

With a mix of experienced and newer managers, Berneslai Homes identified a key development opportunity: leaders were involved in employee relations cases and were required to carry out formal investigations. They recognised that any lack of consistency or confidence in this area can lead to longer, riskier or more stressful processes and they wanted to get ahead of the curve.

So, they partnered with The Investigation Company by The TCM Group to run two in-house Practical Investigation Skills programmes, equipping managers with the tools and confidence to handle sensitive cases fairly, consistently and in line with best practice.

Tailored Training that Hit the Mark

The courses were delivered by Chris Howarth, an experienced facilitator who worked closely with Berneslai Homes to align the training with real-world internal challenges and priorities. He shared that “They had a clear idea of what they wanted to achieve and how the training should be contextualised to their workplace. Communication was excellent throughout.”

The two-day workshops were highly interactive and grounded in practice, combining expert input with practical and interactive exercises, and open conversations about common pitfalls and dilemmas.

“I have learnt so much in the last two days about conducting management investigations. I have learnt new skills and had fun at the same time. The trainer was great — extremely knowledgeable and engaging.”
— Nicola Scott, People Manager

“Very informative, interesting and useful/relevant content. Increased my confidence in dealing with HR-related investigations.”
— Toni Allen, Customer Services Manager

“Real interesting and thought-provoking course — will definitely be using the techniques and structured approach moving forward.”
— Thomas Hughes, Senior Capital Project Manager

Delegates especially valued the mock interviews and small group role-plays, which revealed the complexity of real investigations and gave them the tools to ask the right questions and structure their approach more effectively.

By the end of the sessions, all the participants were actively engaged and confident in using the techniques. The investigations trainer, Chris, commented that “Everyone got really involved in the practical and group tasks. Overall, a really pleasant experience from my side — plenty of laughs along the way.”

A Supportive Learning Culture

One of the key strengths of this training was the visible involvement and support from Berneslai Homes’ senior HR leaders. Their presence at both sessions helped ensure continuity and allowed for open discussion on how to embed the learning across the organisation. Howarth noted that “This allowed for some frank and honest conversations about the challenges of conducting investigations once the training ended.”

This level of investment reflects Berneslai Homes’ commitment to doing things right, not just ticking boxes, but fostering a learning culture that empowers managers to act with confidence, clarity, and fairness.

Looking Ahead

This training wasn’t a one-off, it was part of a longer-term vision. By investing in their people now, Berneslai Homes is laying a strong foundation for fairer, faster and more consistent resolution of internal issues.

Did you know? 52% of organisations report that poorly handled internal investigations have led to legal risks or damaged trust within teams (CIPD, 2023). Training managers in structured investigation approaches dramatically reduces this risk and boosts confidence too.

As their leaders put their new skills into practice, Berneslai Homes is setting the tone for a more open, accountable and skilled organisation: one that champions both its people and its processes.