Workplace investigations are a key response of an employer when things don’t always go to plan when it comes to employee behaviour or conduct. Humanify HR Consulting was proud to partner with this company to sensitively manage a complex workplace investigation, that required the careful examination of alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct of a Senior Executive employee.  

There is nothing more disruptive or problematic in an organisation, then employees who behave poorly. The impact of poor behaviour on the organisation is even more significant when the employee responsible for the inappropriate behaviour is a member of the organisation’s senior leadership team.

Humanify HR Consulting was engaged by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of this private sector company to manage a sensitive workplace investigation from start to finish. This was a complex workplace investigation, that included many moving parts and ensuring that any additional disruption to the workplace environment was minimised for all parties while the investigation was completed.

Workplace Investigation Methodology

Humanify HR Consulting worked in partnership with the company, specifically with the CEO, to ensure a compliant workplace investigation was carried out.  This approach included:

• Contributing to and drafting letters of allegation, notice of investigation, stand-down and investigation outcome letters;

• Undertaking interviews with up to 5-10 witnesses to gather evidence to inform the workplace investigation;

• Preparation of a confidential investigation report that can be used by the company to take relevant action (if necessary) to inform the internal review; and

• Provided specialist HR and workplace relations advice to the CEO throughout the investigation.  

Lead Investigator

The investigation was strictly confidential, independent and impartial. Given the sensitivity of this investigation, Sarah Queenan, Managing Director of Humanify HR Consulting was appointed Lead Investigator. Sarah has undertaken multiple workplace investigations across a range of industries and sectors, including minor to complex allegations, involving junior through to senior executive employees. Sarah holds a Master of Laws (ANU), a Bachelor of Laws (UC), a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (ANU) and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (UC).  She is a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) (FCPHR), a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and an expert advisory panel member on the AHRI Employee and Industrial Relations National Advisory Panel. 

Investigation Report

An investigation report was prepared that includes a comprehensive overview of the investigation process and suggested recommendations and actions (if any). The investigation report is confidential in nature.  

The investigation report covers the following areas: Introduction, Background, Complaint, Investigation Procedure, The Issue, Summary of Findings, Recommendations, Interviews, Formal Statements and Attachments (ie: interview questions, letters of allegation, employee response to allegations and any other relevant material the investigator determines is valid to include).

“This was a complex and sensitive project. Here at Humanify HR Consulting, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver workplace investigations that are robust and fit-for-purpose. We don’t simply provide our clients with an investigation report and then walk away, but we do seek to work through appropriate solutions with the client to any findings that are substantiated. It is all about the partnership for us, as we have empathy for all parties involved in workplace investigations as it can be a really challenging experience for everyone involved.”, says Humanify HR Consulting Founder and Managing Director, Sarah Queenan.

Partnership Snapshot

Private sector company

Duration

2 months (part-time)

Outcome

The completion of a sensitive workplace investigation enabled the company to implement important structural changes to the senior leadership team.