Investigations

Investigations

The increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape which businesses operate in, will sometimes involve them having to deal with complicated and sensitive workplace investigations. 

These are often time critical and can carry potentially dangerous reputational issues.  Our experience is that they can also require the careful navigation of key stakeholders and the wider interests of the business. Notwithstanding these pressures, allegations or concerns and the factual background to them must be carefully and objectively investigated.

We have considerable experience of helping business work through these issues to ensure that all of the facts are fairly identified and examined, and the allegations are properly investigated.  In doing so, we always take into account the business’ strategic aims and priorities in that particular situation.  We then use our considerable knowledge and experience to arrive at constructive conclusions, whilst ensuring that these are delivered to the relevant stakeholders sensitively and appropriately. Difficult messages are delivered where necessary, and a plan for the follow-up is worked through and agreed.

Our experience includes most of the usual areas of workplace investigations:

• Whistleblowing

• Misconduct

• Bullying

• Sexual or racial discrimination or harassment

• #metoo

• Dishonesty and fraud

• Data insecurity

One of the most important decisions to be taken at the outset, is who should carry out the investigation. Our experience is that typically, when matters first arise, they are best undertaken by a suitable internal team, with support from us as required.  However, we are equally happy to undertake the work on behalf of our clients.  We will also help investigate past processes or activities if there are concerns about the outcome reached or how it was reached. Because of the nature of our practice, we are well placed to provide an experienced, objective, and unbiased view, which may be difficult for many firms, because of historical connections or longer term ambition.

Whichever the type of investigation, we are well placed to provide the support you need, will help you to focus on what is important, minimise risk and disruption to the business wherever possible, and leave you in the best position to bring matters to a satisfactory conclusion.