This practical and interactive course has been designed to give participants, whether an HR Advisor or an experienced senior manager, the confidence to conduct effective investigations in a fair, professional and timely manner, whilst considering current policies, procedures and best practice.
Course Context
Serious complaints and grievance cases of bullying or harassment require a full and formal investigation which must be both prompt and professional. Inappropriate handling of such complaints can lead to lengthy, costly disputes and possible tribunals. Those who are tasked with investigating such cases need to be confident in their role and equipped with both the expertise and the essential soft skills to ensure they can resolve cases fairly and consistently.
The session will explore, in detail, the logistics of the investigation process which includes asking difficult questions and analysis of evidence provided.
Key Benefits
This interactive course will be adapted to meet the needs of the participants and will include discussion and sharing of best practice. Due to the expertise and experience of the facilitator, queries will be responded to in a sensitive and understanding manner. The training style and method will model the concept of respect and dignity.
During this course, participants will:
- Draw on the knowledge and expertise of the trainer
- Focus on productive staff relations and effective service delivery
- Consider the value of effective interaction skills
- Include case law, anecdotes, vignettes and anonymous ‘true life’ situations
- Work within the frame of legislation and organisational policies
Who Is It For?
The course is suitable for any member of an HR or management team who has responsibility for interviewing the parties involved in a serious complaint or grievance investigation.
The course content and capacity can be customised for individuality and to ensure organisations’ specific learning criteria are met. Consultancy in how to conduct professional investigations in the workplace is also an option either as a standalone service or in conjunction with training.
Course Content
The course will focus on both the practical aspects of conducting the investigation as well as the ensuing evaluation once the investigation has taken place. The delivery will consist of a combination of formal lecture, small and large group discussions and case studies.
Conducting Investigations
- Identifying what an investigation is
- Time frame for conducting investigations, in line with the policy
- Who would be involved
- The role of an investigator
- Concerns and examples of good practice
- Stages of the investigation process
- Consideration of the 5 stages during the investigation process:
- from receiving the formal grievance to writing the final report
- this section will focus on the practical aspects of conducting an investigation
Conducting investigations (continued)
- Interviews:
- Practical/challenging questions for all parties concerned
- Do’s and don’ts of asking questions - Setting the scene/gathering evidence
- Facts vs emotions
- What to include in the final report
Evaluation
- Re-visit individual learning objectives
- Transfer of learning back to the workplace
- Priorities for action
A testimonial for the How to Conduct Professional Investigations in the Workplace course:
“[The trainer] has a very approachable manner and a wealth of knowledge and experience which she is able to share in a relatable way.”
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