COURSE OVERVIEW:

Investigations are a vital – but difficult – part of workplace management. The value of a proper investigation can’t be overstated: it plays a pivotal role in the imposition of discipline (and any subsequent challenge to such discipline) and provides an important safeguard to employees’ right to procedural fairness.

An impartial investigation is generally conducted so that an employer can determine what occurred when there are contested allegations affecting the workplace that involve a potential violation of the employer’s policies, standards, ethics, or the law. The point of an impartial investigation is to provide a fair and impartial process for the complainant and respondent and to reach reasoned findings based on the information gathered.

An employer that conducts an improper (or no) investigation leaves itself exposed to potential liability and other negative consequences, including a successful claim for punitive damages, human rights complaint(s), civil legal action or grievance. An effective and fair workplace investigation results in a solid conclusion based on which the employer can take decisive and appropriate action – and preclude negative consequences down the road.

The first part of this course explains the principles of a proper workplace investigation.  Then it introduces the benefits and basic components of a proper workplace investigation, including the actions you will have to take—and decisions you will have to make— along the way. It also covers some common investigation mistakes that can lead to legal trouble—and tips that will help you avoid them.

The second part explains how a problem requiring investigation might come to your attention, how to decide whether to investigate, what actions you might want to take before beginning the investigation, and how to plan and prepare for the investigation. It also covers how to choose someone to investigate a problem (if you won’t do it yourself), including the pros and cons of hiring an outside investigator.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:

• The importance of proper workplace investigations
• The principles of workplace investigations
• Why investigations require judgment calls?
• The benefits of an effective investigation
• The steps to a successful investigation
• What a good investigation looks like?
• Common investigation mistakes and how to avoid them
• Consequences of failing to investigate
• The consequences of delaying an investigation
• The consequences of failing to be thorough
• The consequences of compromising confidentiality
• The consequences of losing objectivity
• The strong-arm interview tactics
• The consequences of invading employee privacy
• How to avoid privacy lawsuits?
• Was to discover workplace problems
• How to decide whether to investigate or not?
• How similar problems been handled?
• How to choose the investigator?
• When you should hire an outside investigator?
• How to plan the investigation?
• Why review what you know?
• How to figure out what you need to know?
• How to plan the interviews?
• How to prepare your company for the investigation?
• How to prepare experts and decision makers?

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.