Conducting proper workplace investigations is a crucial component of effective business management. A failure to undertake an appropriate and timely investigation, can have significant consequences for the parties involved in the complaint, and potentially the legal outcomes for the business. An important aspect of any investigation is ensuring it occurs in a timely manner. WHAT […]
The most vulnerable members of our society are generally those with disabilities, the very young and the elderly. People who are vulnerable are at greater risk of being abused or otherwise mistreated, especially in residential care facilities. This is currently being made distressingly clear at the aged care Royal Commission. We discuss what elder […]
With the new changes to whistleblower legislation soon to be debated and enacted, it’s essential to assess whether or not your business is compliant. An important part of ensuring compliance with the changes lies in the development of robust policies to protect whistleblowers. The Human Resources function has a central role in preparing staff […]
Employers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of a positive workplace culture. A workplace culture which helps foster happy employees can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and have a positive flow-on effect to customers. But just how can senior management get staff, particularly junior staff, to open up about how they feel? One excellent […]
When faced with an allegation of serious misconduct made against a worker, an organisation may seek to suspend the respondent. But in what situations is it appropriate to take this kind of action? tHE LEGALITY OF SUSPENSION When taking the significant step of temporarily suspending an employee, an organisation must be able to demonstrate […]
Risk management is an important aspect of running a successful business: Whether this takes the form of ensuring compliance with corporate governance programs, reducing instances of workplace fraud or financial misconduct, or eliminating bullying or other forms of harassment. Having a strong and coherent whistleblower program in place can help protect your organisation’s interests in […]
Volunteer organisations have a special place in the heart of every community. The vital work that they carry out most often involves providing assistance to those who are in need. Issues of poverty, homelessness, abuse, infirmity and mental illness are just some of the challenging aspects within the day-to-day operations of many volunteer groups. Volunteering […]
We understand that for busy employers, time and energy are definitely limited resources. Regularly spread thin by the demands of customers, suppliers and employees, it can certainly be difficult to notice the finer goings-on of the everyday workplace. For this reason, human resource issues such as depression and other mental illnesses in […]
Employees Working with Children? Do the Checks Families are becoming busier than ever. More service options are being sought by parents each year around the education, entertainment and care of their children. As a result of this, the number of Australian employees working with children continues to grow. From play centres to sports camps, music […]
When Your Risk Assessment Differs From Official Findings When something goes wrong at the worksite, business owners and managers are often left to scratch their heads not only about how the event occurred, but also about the investigative process that follows. Given that a workplace investigator is an objective third party, workplace investigation reports can […]