Independent Workplace Investigations

Introduction
The Investigation
The Report
TCM Investigators
Why TCM?

Independent workplace investigations from TCM

If you require a professional investigation undertaking into a complex situation in the workplace, we can help.

Here at TCM, we are proud to provide our customers with bespoke and high quality workplace investigations. Our team of professional investigators carry out independent investigations into:

allegations of bullying, harassment or discrimination.
allegations of misconduct or gross misconduct.
as part of internal disciplinary or grievance procedures.
allegations of wrong doing including issues of child protection.
allegations or complaints from customers, clients or services users.
complaints from service users including NHS patients and their families.

When you commission TCM to deliver your investigation we will provide you with a full support package including template documents and other useful resources. (We also set up internal investigation systems for our clients, contact us for more information)

Bespoke and high quality workplace investigations

Here at TCM, we understand that every client is different and strive to tailor our independent investigations to meet your specific needs. If you are dealing with a conflict in the workplace, our talented team can help you to reach an agreement at speed. We specialise in creating harmonious teams within a workplace and our independent investigations can help companies to maintain the strong relationships that you have worked hard to build.
We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in independent investigations and can help you to find the best solution to meet your individual needs. We have been helping companies reduce conflict in the workplace for over 10 years and so when it comes to workplace investigations, you are in good hands.

Interested in setting up an independent investigations? Talk To TCM

Please get in touch with a member of the team today on 0800 294 97 87.

How long does an investigation last?

An effective investigation typically involves the following stages:

Initial site meeting or teleconference with sponsor to receive full briefing and documentation.
Agreeing the terms of reference and scope of the investigation.
Prior preparation including reading all available literature including a chronology of events.
Gathering as much information as possible including interviews.
Interviewing all parties including witnesses (in complex cases, we interview key parties more than once)
Assessing the evidence collected in terms of its relevance, corroboration, mitigation etc.
Arrange sign off of the record of interview. (ROI)
Preparing the final report and providing clear and unambiguous findings.
Feedback and full debrief. (we also attend hearings and appeals if required)

There can be no short cuts.

Investigations are often very involved, complex and stressful for all parties. To undertake a full and proper investigation, there is no escaping the fact that they can take a considerable amount of time and resources - we will work with you at the outset to clarify just how long will be required based on the specific nature of the issues that you wish to be investigated.

A thorough, detailed and rigorous report

Our investigation reports stand up to scrutiny either at an internal panel hearing or at an employment tribunal. A number of HR departments now use the TCM investigation report as a model internal report template.

Contents of the investigation report

Introduction and executive summary.
Details of the issue(s) investigated and clear terms of reference.
Details of all parties interviewed including witnesses.
Details of evidence collected from interviews and other means (CCTV, email, phone records etc)
Details of specialist advice taken such as specialist legal advice.
Issues of consistency/inconsistency.
A recommendation as to whether or not there appears to be a case to answer.
Clear and unambiguous findings referenced against each allegation.
Relevant appendices and records of interviews (indexed, cross referenced and paginated).

What makes a good investigation?

TCM investigators use a variety of skills, strategies and techniques during the course of their investigation. Our investigation experts ensure that the investigation is:

Thorough • Transparent • Fair • Rigorous • Effective

These skills include:

The ability to prepare meticulously
To be able to create and control a safe environment for the investigation
Active listening techniques, questioning techniques, funnelling and summarising
The ability to remain neutral and impartial - not to make judgements
The ability to analyse and assess often complex information involving a variety of attitudes, behaviours, feelings, perceptions and facts
Overcoming blocks and barriers to an investigation
Ensuring that privacy is respected where possible
Not making false promises or setting unrealistic expectations
Writing a thorough and rigorous report

Years of investigation experience

TCM has many years experience of working in sensitive and complex workplace situations. We have a sound and ethical philosophy and a clear commitment to quality. This translates into a service that you can trust and one that you know will be effective.

The three key benefits of using TCM to deliver your investigation:

1. Preparation	We work with you to ensure clear boundaries and clear terms of reference. We never start an investigation until we are ready.
2. Delivery	We are skilled interviewers and we obtain the best quality evidence available.
3. Closing	You receive a thorough report, debrief and key learning points on conclusion of the investigation. We also provide up to half a day's consultancy support to help you identify any systemic or other changes..

What people say

TCM is a very professional organisation. The knowledge and experience of the trainer was excellent. I would thoroughly recommend this course.

Suzanne Dickason, HR Business Partner, BT
Core Mediation Skills