Mastering Fact-Finding
and Investigation

Would any organization want to be known for prejudice or for failing to take allegations seriously?

The role of an independent investigator is crucial for maintaining positive working relationships and ensuring that all allegations of inappropriate behavior, misconduct, poor performance, and grievances are investigated fairly and transparently. Independent investigators help prevent issues of intimidation, “closing ranks,” or potential bias.

In this Mastering Fact-Finding and Investigation training course, delegates will explore the key stages of the investigative process and practice the skills and approaches needed for effective, unbiased investigations. This course is ideal for those preparing to conduct investigations for the first time, as well as for those seeking to refresh and confirm their existing best practices.

By attending this Anderson training course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the role and function of the independent investigator
• Recognise and acknowledge their personal limitations and reservations and identify tactics to deal with them
• Identify the focus for the investigator
• Appreciate the importance of highlighting impartiality throughout the process
• Recognise some of the common problems and difficult personalities they may have to deal with

This Anderson training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Employee Relations Specialists
• Negotiation and Mediation Specialists
• Nominees/ Volunteers for the Role
• Occupational Health Staff
• HR Generalists

• Nature of Inherent Workplace Conflict
• Understanding Employee Relations
• Management Interventions to Minimise Conflict
• Strategic Importance of Investigations
• When are Investigations Needed
• Skills of Suitable Investigators

• Concept of Natural Justice
• Test of Reasonableness
• Clarifying Policy and Ensuring Transparent Procedure
• Facts v Truth
• The ACAS Recommendations
• Defining Harassment, Bullying and Unfair Discrimination

• Selecting Candidates
• The Responsibilities of the Effective Investigator
• Clarifying the Purpose and Limits of the Investigation
• Background Research – Requesting Relevant Documents
• The Order of Interviews
• Practical Session 

• Central Nature of the Interviews
• Ensuring a Fair Hearing - Corroborating the Facts
• Permission to Electronically Record
• Challenge of Discriminating Between Opinion and Interpretation
• Weighing up – Likelihood of Events and Actions
• Practical Session

• Format Template and Style Guide
• Deciding What Needs to be Included
• Issues of Confidentiality
• Summarising and Drawing Conclusions
• Recommended Outcomes

• Anderson Certificate of Completion will be provided to delegates who attend and complete the course
• The HRCI Approved Provider Seal and the corresponding Recertification Credit Hours Awarded will be reflected on the Certificate of Completion