Workplace investigations - on the increase?

Over the last few years we have been asked to deliver more and more training sessions on workplace investigations. So what’s behind the increase?

First, and as expected, it’s not really a private sector issue. Only 5% of our clients for this subject are from the private sector. And only 10% are from the NHS (which is a surprise). But the real areas where we’ve seen the growth of interest are charities (20%), the education sector (25%) and, of course, local and central government (40%). Large organisations one and all.

Secondly, one of the common themes coming through loud and clear from all clients is the need to widen the pool of suitably trained investigators, beyond either HR or the existing pool of line managers trained in this area.

Thirdly, to continue with the watery metaphor, there’s a need to deepen the pool as well, developing the capability of investigators so that they can conduct independent and robust investigations with less direct input from HR.