In any workplace investigation, there will be multiple competing factors for an investigator to consider. One core issue is developing the appropriate interview strategy. Investigative interviewing requires careful consideration of the purpose of the investigation, and exactly who will be interviewed. There is also the question of tone – ensuring that the interview remains cordial […]
When a workplace investigation has to be conducted, the most valuable information will generally be obtained through interviewing the staff involved in the incident and any witnesses. This information will play a critical role in determining what has happened or who or what was responsible. In order to obtain relevant and reliable information from […]
To any outsider, the job of investigative interviewing seems fairly straightforward – questions are asked and then answers are provided. Yet as we know, the job of interviewing parties in the course of a workplace investigation can be anything but simple. For example, the investigative interviewer must ensure procedural fairness at every step along […]
For an employee who is on the receiving end of disciplinary action, performance management or a workplace investigation, it is an upsetting, and even a potentially traumatic experience. Every employee involved in such a process is entitled to have a support person present during any meetings or interviews. A failure to afford an employee […]
One of the most challenging aspects for employers attempting to deal with workplace bullying or misconduct is getting to the truth of allegations, especially in circumstances where the apparent victim’s version of events contradicts that of the alleged bully. Most of the time, this disparity can be put down to differences of opinion or misinterpretation […]
All workplaces are at risk of allegations of bullying, harassment, discrimination or other claims of misconduct or inappropriate dealings. As such, all employers must be prepared to conduct investigative interviews to determine the veracity and accuracy of any allegations made against or by one or more of their employees. Apart from properly eliciting the facts, […]
Developing the skills to ask the right questions in any investigative interview or investigation is often a long and arduous journey peppered by mistakes that are only discovered when a case cannot be prosecuted or a decision upheld. Attempting to fast track this learning is the desire of all managers and practitioners. However, traditional learning […]
We’re all guilty of it: we ask a question that we don’t really expect to be answered in full. We’ve been socialised to do this; “how’s it going?” really means “I see you.” The usual answer “good” completes the interaction, but often isn’t even true! Investigators have to learn to listen. And listening well means […]
Jill McMahon – Monday, November 23, 2015 Even the simplest of workplace investigations can be a tricky balancing act. You need to consider how to investigate the matter, collect evidence and adhere to various laws, all the while having regard to employee welfare and the needs of your organisation. Strategy is a key element of […]
There are special skills that come into play during any workplace investigative interview. Particular care is needed, however, when non-criminal elements of a child-related issue are under investigation. Criminal and civil investigative processes might both be required for the one workplace matter, and within each approach the challenges can be considerable. Child-related complexities At first […]