Professional Workplace Investigations

All universities, like other professional institutions, have at times to undertake processes of grievance and discipline relating to their staff. Each institution will have its own processes and its own rules. As part of that process investigations will often be called for. Investigations should be open, transparent and independent, seeking to discover the truth behind the allegations so far as that is possible. The investigation is not the decision making element, although it does contribute significantly to whatever panel is called upon, within the policy, to make the decision.

As deputy to the Provost at the University of Birmingham I was asked to act, on behalf of the VC, I was final level of appeal for all staff grievances and disciplinaries across the university. This meant that I dealt with all the most complex cases and on a couple of occasions I was asked to attend an employment tribunal on behalf of the university. I was fully trained at that point in investigations and in chairing panels, and I gained considerable experience over the five years that I undertook the role.

At Swansea University I continued to take on serious and complex investigations relating to grievance, disciplinary cases and professional misconduct. I was chair of the appeal panel when the Council chose to dismiss two senior colleagues and, once again, attended an employment tribunal as a witness for the university in relation to that case.

I am fully committed to the need for independence in these processes and bring both a deep and extensive knowledge of the higher education sector, personal integrity, empathy and a level of experience and training that is probably unique in the sector.

I can offer the following services:

Investigations

I can undertake investigations related to grievance, disciplinary processes, research misconduct or student cases. I offer a full service including the agreeing of terms of reference, interviews with complainant, respondent and witnesses, the provision of a full report. Confidentiality is assured and I am happy to work within the policy and processes as established by the university.

I have been trained by CMP Solutions to undertake professional workplace investigations and carry out investigation on their behalf with various public sector bodies.

I am also available to act as an independent member, or chair, of panels related to grievance and misconduct where that is required, including on appeals.

References can be provided on request.

Training

Having considerable experience in this field, and working closely with HR professionals and legal experts I am able to offer training to individuals or teams around investigations and related processes and policies.

Review, Evaluation and Policy Development

It is always good to review processes and policies on a regular basis to assure the institution that they are meeting current legal requirements and including the latest thinking on these areas. I am available to offer advice on the development of policies, and to undertake desk based or in person reviews as required.