Join us for the 2026 Workplace Investigations in Canada Conference

Interviewing Difficult Witnesses | April 2026

April 28, 2026 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST | Live Online

We’ve all experienced those challenging interviews. A witness is evasive and unwilling to share information. A witness becomes escalated, frustrated and begins to take it out on you. A witness has difficulty articulating their thoughts and frequently provides irrelevant information, or a witness who attempts to control the interview by redirecting questions or challenging the premise of the investigation.

This 60-minute webinar draws on decades of investigative experience to equip participants with practical techniques to manage challenging interviews, de-escalate interpersonal dynamics, and obtain reliable, relevant evidence necessary to support clarity and defensibility.

Key topics we'll cover:

Managing Evasion:
Identify evasive patterns and apply structured questioning techniques to re-engage reluctant or withholding witnesses without compromising neutrality.
De-escalating Hostile Responses:
Recognize early indicators of escalation and use grounded, empathetic and neutral responses to stabilize the interaction and keep the interview on track.
Working with Disorganized Accounts:
Gather reliable information from witnesses who struggle to communicate clearly, stay on topic, or remain focused.
Maintaining Interview Control:
Navigate attempts to redirect questions, challenge investigative authority, or derail the process, while preserving the integrity and fairness of the interview.

This session is designed for workplace investigators, HR professionals, and regulatory investigators who conduct witness interviews as part of their practice. The content is applied, not introductory, and assumes working familiarity with investigative processes.

Led by Leading Experts in the Field

Laura Hutchinson, BSc, MScPT
Co-CEO of Barker Hutchinson

Laura is a respected speaker and trainer on person-centered, trauma-informed investigation practices. She brings extensive experience conducting and supervising trauma-informed investigations, particularly in healthcare and regulatory settings, and is the creator of Canada’s first national training platform for regulatory investigators. Laura’s approach is rooted in both deep investigative knowledge and practical experience.

Ashley Boyes, B.A., J.D., M.A.
Sr. Investigator

Ashley is an experienced interviewer with an ability to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable speaking about their experience. Ashley’s impartiality, practical experience, and careful assessment of evidence results in efficient and focused investigations.

Ashley practised in the Health Law and Sexual Assault/Abuse practice groups at a prominent Toronto law firm prior to joining Barker Hutchinson. Ashley also previously practised in the Arbitration and Investigations group at another international law firm.

What Others Have to Say About Our Training

"The breakout sessions and role-playing exercises brought the content to life. It was great to learn by doing. The presenters were knowledgeable and personable. I would definitely recommend this course to others!"

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