Mastering
Fact-Finding
and Investigation
Building Internal Capacity to
Effectively Deal with Workplace Complaints
Why Choose this Course?
Would any organisation want a reputation for prejudice and not dealing with allegations seriously? Any sense of natural justice will expect employers to show that they have undertaken a fair and thorough investigation of complaints. This investigation can be time-consuming and complicated, and an organisation may be reluctant to divert resources, but the existence of independent investigators ensures that allegations of inappropriate behaviour, misconduct, poor performance and grievance can be fairly and transparently investigated without suggestions of intimidation, ‘closing ranks’ or possible bias. Delegates will have the opportunity to explore the key stages of the process and practice the skills and approach required. Ideally, this AZTech training course should be undertaken before conducting investigations, but it can also act as a refresher and confirmation of existing good practice.
This training course will feature:
- The role and function of the independent investigator
- Acknowledging personal limitations and reservations and identify tactics to deal with them
- The focus for the investigator
- The importance of highlighting impartiality throughout the process
- Recognising some of the common problems and difficult personalities
What are the Goals?
By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:
- Develop a thorough investigation plan
- Deal with issues around interviews, including confidentiality, anonymity and the presence of third parties
- Prepare for and conduct investigatory interviews
- Evaluate evidence objectively
- Compile a report and conduct an internal investigation
Who is this Training Course for?
This AZTech 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
- Line managers responsible for managing/conducting investigations
- Employee representatives
How will this Training Course be Presented?
This AZTech training course will utilise a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. This includes extensive role pay, self-report questionnaires, discussion, group exercises and tutor input.
The Course Content
Day One: The Organisational Context
- 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
Day Two: Best Practice and the Legal Framework
- 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
Day Three: Planning the Investigation
- 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
Day Four: The Course and Format of the Interviews
- 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
Day Five: Best Practice Reports
- Format Template and Style Guide
- Deciding What Needs to be Included
- Issues of Confidentiality
- Summarising and Drawing Conclusions
- Recommended Outcomes
The Certificates
- AZTech Certificate of Completion for delegates who attend and complete the training course
- The HRCI Approved Provider Seal and the corresponding Re-certification Credit Hours Awarded will be reflected in the Certificate of Completion
Accreditation
HR Certification Institute's® (www.HRCI.org) official seal confirms that AZTech Training & Consultancy meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®.
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