Investigation Process
When a serious incident or complaint arises, organizations need an external investigation process they can count on to deliver a timely, thorough, and fair process at a reasonable cost.
Standard Process
From intake to report delivery and communication, Fermata Workplace Solutions will work with you to evaluate and conclude the investigation diligently, to give you reliable conclusions to base corrective actions on. Investigation plans are developed from the context of the organization and allegations, and the standard components below are often revised to fit the circumstances of the investigation.
Intake
We listen to the issues raised, and discuss the scope, timeline, obstacles and a draft investigation plan.
Initial Review
The investigator will request initial documents to ensure the investigation plan aligns with the complaint and company policy. Additional evidence gathering may begin such as obtaining emails, screenshots, video or operational documents.
Interviews
Where possible, the investigator will begin recorded interviews within 48 hours, starting with the named Complainant if available. We confirm the Complainant's summarized allegations and ensure alignment with the investigation scope. We then move on to interview the Respondent and witnesses, ensuring all parties receive procedural fairness. Limited confidentiality is typically provided to witnesses, according to organizational policy and with the disclosure of confidentiality limits.
Analysis and Report
The investigator prepares a thorough report summarizing the investigation process, interview summaries, evidence, and analyzes the available evidence to assess credibility and make findings of fact.
Closure
The investigator debriefs the organization on the report, and at the client's discretion, supports the organization's post-investigation communication to parties.