Length: 2.5 hours
Workplace investigations are essential for effective management and play a critical role in resolving disputes between employers and employees (and unions, where applicable). Managers may feel anxious about investigations into issues like harassment or misconduct, but employers are required to address such complaints and ensure procedural fairness before imposing discipline. Proper investigations help foster a healthy workplace culture and reduce the risk of liability for unsubstantiated actions. Managers and supervisors must conduct investigations competently and fairly, addressing the challenges that can arise throughout the process. The learning objectives for this session are:
- The Role of Investigations. The value of a proper investigation and its role in safeguarding the employee’s right to procedural fairness; what events trigger a workplace investigation and the main types; the four overarching principles that all workplace investigations must embrace; and the parameters of employees’ duty to cooperate.
- Building the Investigation Framework. The four overarching investigation principles; employee privacy interests and disclosure rights; and how to build a systemic investigation framework that respects them, including how to select the appropriate investigator and a helpful investigation checklist.
- Conducting the Investigation. How to conduct the investigation from beginning to end, including: preparation; how to prepare for and conduct effective interviews; and how to conclude the investigation.
- Acting on the Investigation. How to use the investigation to decide on an appropriate course of action depending on the investigation outcomes; and implementing the determined course of action.
Facilitator: McInnes Cooper
Upcoming Session: Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual - Teams