Investigation Training and Services in London, the south east & beyond

WORKPLACE INVESTIGATION: PRACTITIONER

Workplace Investigation: Practitioner Training for Confident, Fair and Defensible Case Handling

Build the capability, structure, and professional judgement to manage workplace investigations with clarity and confidence.

This Practitioner‑level course is ideal for HR professionals, managers, and leaders involved in handling workplace concerns, investigations, or complaints — whether you’re new to investigations or looking to strengthen and formalise your existing approach.

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COURSE OVERVIEW

Duration: 2 days
Level: Intermediate
Delivery: In-person or virtual

This practical two‑day course builds the skills, structure, and confidence needed to conduct fair, consistent, and defensible workplace investigations.

Designed for HR professionals, managers, and leaders involved in handling workplace concerns or complaints, it develops your capability to plan investigations, carry out effective interviews, evaluate evidence objectively, and reach balanced, well‑reasoned outcomes.

Whether dealing with misconduct, grievances, customer complaints, safeguarding issues, or policy breaches, this course equips you to lead investigations that are procedurally sound and stand up to scrutiny.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course is ideal for anyone responsible for handling, or overseeing workplace concerns, complaints, or investigations, including:

HR and Employee Relations professionals
Managers and team leaders with responsibility for people, performance, or conduct
Safeguarding, compliance, and risk specialists
Customer-facing leaders who may need to investigate customer complaints or service-related issues
Operational managers involved in incident reviews or workplace decision‑making
Professionals new to investigations who want a structured, confident approach
Those with existing experience looking to strengthen and formalise their investigation practice

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Plan and structure workplace investigations with clarity and defensibility
Conduct effective, ethical interviews using the PEACE model
Evaluate evidence objectively and assess credibility with confidence
Document findings and outcomes that withstand internal and external scrutiny
Apply procedural fairness and meet organisational and legal expectations

COURSE FORMAT

Two full days of interactive, practical learning
Real‑world case studies, role‑play exercises, and peer discussion
Workbook, investigation templates, and supporting resources included
Certificate of completion provide

Module 1 - Introduction to Investigation

This module provides a clear and practical introduction to workplace investigations, exploring why investigations matter, the role and responsibilities of the investigator, and the principles of fairness, natural justice, and procedural consistency. Learners gain clarity on when an investigation is required, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what organisations expect from a robust, defensible investigation process. The module also introduces key guidance, including ACAS expectations, and sets the foundation for confident, structured case handling across a range of issues — from misconduct and grievances to safeguarding concerns and customer complaints.

Module 2: Investigation Principles

This module explores the core principles that underpin fair, consistent, and defensible workplace investigations. Learners examine reasonable lines of enquiry, the burden and standard of proof, evidence assessment, credibility analysis, conflicts of interest, and the importance of managing bias. The module also covers GDPR considerations, disclosure, and how to handle hearsay, reluctant or uncooperative witnesses, and safeguarding concerns. By the end, learners will have a clear framework for applying these principles to a wide range of workplace issues and complaints.

Module 3: Planning an Investigation

This module provides a practical, structured approach to planning a workplace investigation. Learners explore how to analyse allegations, identify points to prove, develop an investigation strategy, plan interviews, set timelines, and organise information effectively. The module also covers how to identify gaps in evidence, prioritise enquiries, and ensure the investigation remains proportionate, focused, and defensible. By the end, learners will be able to plan investigations with clarity and confidence across a wide range of workplace issues

Module 4: Conducting an Investigation

This module provides a practical, step‑by‑step guide to conducting workplace investigations using ten core investigative strategies. Learners explore how to apply each strategy effectively, sequence investigative actions, and balance thoroughness with proportionality. The module also covers how to adapt your approach to different types of cases, manage unexpected developments, and maintain fairness and consistency throughout the process. By the end, learners will understand how to run investigations that are structured, focused, and defensible across a wide range of workplace issues.

Module 5: Interviewing

This module provides a practical and structured guide to investigative interviewing, focusing on how to interview victims, witnesses, and respondents using the PEACE model. Learners develop skills in TED questioning, 5WH exploration, and structured statement planning to obtain clear, reliable accounts. The module also covers rapport‑building, effective note‑taking, managing sensitive or complex interviews, and gathering evidence in a fair and ethical way. By the end, learners will feel confident conducting interviews that are thorough, respectful, and capable of withstanding scrutiny.

Module 6: Investigation Findings

This module provides a structured, practical guide to producing clear and defensible investigation findings. Learners explore how to assess credibility, analyse evidence, make balanced decisions, and record their rationale transparently. The module also covers effective report writing, structuring findings, and presenting conclusions in a way that demonstrates fairness, consistency, and sound professional judgement. By the end, learners will be able to produce investigation reports that stand up to internal and external scrutiny.