There are times when a business needs an investigation to determine what has happened before a decision is made about next steps. This might be when:
Our investigation process begins with a high-level briefing where we determine the scope of the investigation and agree on the process and timetable. Confidentiality and natural justice are key considerations.
Our investigator's role is to obtain and determine all the facts which, depending on the issue at hand, may include face to face interviews, review of documentation and policies, and any other evidence that may support a finding. Where witness statements conflict with each other, we also need to make credibility findings.
The investigation concludes with a confidential investigative report, including our findings, observations, and facts. We will supply recommendations if that is part of the scope agreed. We are not usually involved in any subsequent processes, such as a disciplinary meeting.
Intepeople holds a Company License for Private Investigations, issued by New Zealand’s Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA). The authority works to ensure that all people working in the security industry, including Private Investigators, are competent in their skills.
Intepeople’s HR & ER Partners Melisa Kappely, Marianne Wilkinson, and Emily Strom are PSPLA licensed Private Investigators, which is now a legal requirement for independent investigators. In addition, Melisa Kappely and Marianne Wilkinson are Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Certificate Holders, placing them amongst the most qualified Workplace Investigators in New Zealand. The AWI is a professional association committed to enhancing the quality of impartial workplace investigations. Their robust and tested set of guiding principles for workplace investigations is recognised worldwide.
Investigations and the relevant law,
Strategies to avoid bias,
Establishing rapport,
Interview techniques,
Confidentiality,
Evidence,
Investigation report writing,
Ethical issues.
