Independent Workplace Investigations

across Northern Ireland

When concerns have reached the formal stage, you need confidence in the facts before decisions are made.

 I carry out independent workplace investigations and provide clear, evidence-based reports designed to withstand scrutiny.

Workplace investigations conducted by an experienced investigator whose reports have been recognised by employment lawyers for their quality and thoroughness.

When a Formal Investigation Becomes Necessary

Sometimes the issue cannot be resolved informally.
 A complaint has been raised.  
Accounts differ.  
Trust has been affected.  
And decisions may have significant consequences for the individuals involved and the organisation.  
At that point, assumptions are not enough.  
A fair process depends on understanding what can reasonably be established from the available evidence.

More Than 20 Years of Investigation Experience

Before specialising in workplace and people matters, my career began in investigations.  

Since then, I have spent more than two decades conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, assessing conflicting accounts and producing detailed findings reports.

My investigations and reports have been recognised by employment lawyers for their quality, thoroughness and attention to evidence.

That experience helps organisations move beyond opinion, assumption and speculation and focus on the evidence.

Working Alongside Solicitors and HR Professionals

I regularly work alongside employment lawyers, HR professionals and organisational leaders where an independent investigator is required. My role is to establish the facts, test the evidence and provide findings.
Decisions about outcomes remain with the organisation.

Investigations May Include

  • Grievance investigations

  • Disciplinary investigations

  • Bullying and harassment complaints

  • Dignity at work complaints

  • Conduct-related concerns

  • Fact-finding investigations

  • Investigations involving senior employees or managers

How I Work

Every situation is different, but the principles remain the same.

Establish the facts  
Gather and review relevant information.  

Test the evidence  
Explore different accounts, identify areas of agreement and investigate areas of dispute.  

Follow the evidence 
Avoid assumptions and remain open to where the evidence leads.  

Report clearly  
Provide findings supported by evidence and explained in plain language.

Why Organisations Use an Independent Investigator

There are times when independence matters.

 For example:

  • senior employees are involved

  • the organisation lacks internal capacity

  • impartiality could be questioned

  • a fresh perspective is required

  • confidence in the process is essential

An independent investigation can help strengthen confidence in both the process and the findings.

Investigation Outcomes

Typically, clients receive:

  • investigation planning and scoping

  • witness interviews

  • evidence review

  • findings report

  • clear explanation of conclusions reached

Where appropriate, findings are presented in a way that supports decision-makers in taking the next steps.

What Are We Actually Looking At?

One of the most common challenges in workplace investigations is distinguishing between:

  • fact and assumption

  • behaviour and interpretation

  • evidence and opinion

The goal is not to prove a theory.

The goal is to establish what can reasonably be concluded from the evidence available.

Why the Quality of the Investigation Matters

Over the years, I have encountered situations where concerns have been raised about the robustness of an investigation or the quality of the findings report.

 In some cases, the challenge was not a lack of effort.  

The challenge was that the evidence had not been fully explored, conflicting accounts had not been sufficiently tested or the report did not clearly demonstrate how the conclusions had been reached.  

This can leave decision-makers carrying uncertainty at precisely the point they need confidence.

A workplace investigation should not be working towards a preferred outcome.  

It should be establishing what can reasonably be concluded from the available evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No. My role is to investigate and report findings. Decisions remain with the organisation.

Yes. Reports are evidence-based, clear and designed to support decision-making.

Need an Independent Investigation?

When decisions may have significant consequences, confidence in the facts matters.

 Get in touch to discuss whether an independent workplace investigation would be helpful.

Here's what some of my clients say....

"You have the conversations we don't want to have! We know, we're work in progress!"

"You’ve given me so much to think about and this isn’t new to me!"

"I really wish I’d spoken to you sooner but thank you for helping me through that nightmare. I think I’d need some of your employer rehab before hiring again."

"I’ve never had so many lightbulb moments! Thank You"

"I love how you intuit without me having to go into every little detail. It makes talking to you about people problems so much easier."

"Each time we meet I feel like I’ve had a counselling session!"

"You saved my business from me! I’d have reacted instead of responding and that could have cost me my business, especially given the individual I was dealing with!"

"My thoughts are always so much clearer after our sessions! You help me work out what to say and how to say it - without making a horlicks of it!"

"You were so patient with me!!! I’ve avoided a few PMTs already, I’d have chanced them before knowing I was creating a rod for my own back… I’m now fully onboard with having a hiring process, thanks for helping me shape it for me."