16 Apr I’m part of a workplace investigation – what does this mean?
Some incidents that occur in the workplace, such a breach of policy of legislation, require formal investigation by either an internal resource or an external, independent party such as Ashdale.
A Workplace Investigation aims to establish the facts and to determine if the alleged behavior or incident occurred.
An investigator is responsible for conducting a fair investigation, presenting the evidence and findings and then the decision-maker who then decides how to act on that information.
Do I have to participate?
Government departments have the legal capacity to direct an employee to participate in an investigation.
Who is involved?
The Complainant – the person who lodged the complaint or made the allegations
Witnesses – Generally colleagues or other personnel who have something to contribute.
The Subject Officer or Respondent – The person who is alleged to have acted improperly and/or breach a policy or legislation
What is involved?
Key steps in an investigation are as follows:
- A review of any relevant written material, including the complaint, other documentation, policies and procedures.
- An interview with the complainant(s) and then any witnesses.
- From the investigation work conducted in steps 1. and 2. allegations will be confirmed and sent to the Subject Officer/Respondent in writing.
- The Subject Officer/Respondent attends an interview.
- All the information gathered is than analyzed and an investigation report written. The report will summarizes all the evidence and determines if the allegation(s) is substantiated or not.
- The final report is sent to the decision maker for their consideration and action.
What next?
Should you be involved in an investigation being conducted by Ashdale you will be provided with relevant fact sheets to read prior to your involvement.
If you have additional questions you should approach your HR and you can also get help from your Union Representative if you have one.
Another source of information is the Crime and Corruption Commission’s publication Corruption in Focus