Sensitive Conversations: Keys to Interviewing Vulnerable Witnesses
Vulnerable witnesses often hold the key to uncovering the facts in workplace and regulatory investigations. Yet, without the right approach, their voices can go unheard or their trust broken, leading to incomplete or unreliable findings. The way you approach these interviews can mean the difference between missing information and truly exceptional results that stand up to scrutiny.
When witnesses feel unsupported, misunderstood, or retraumatized during the investigative process, the consequences can be profound—not just for them, but for the integrity of the entire investigation. Missed cues, unaddressed vulnerabilities, or poorly handled interactions can create barriers to uncovering critical information, leaving you with partial truths and potentially jeopardizing the outcome.
In this 60-minute webinar, you’ll learn actionable strategies to confidently handle sensitive interviews with care and professionalism. Backed by real-world experience, we’ll guide you through proven techniques for identifying and supporting vulnerabilities, adapting your approach in the moment, and ensuring equal participation that leads to fair outcomes.
Key topics we’ll cover:
- Understanding Vulnerability
Gain clarity on what it means to be vulnerable in the context of workplace and regulatory investigations, ensuring you approach each case with empathy and awareness. - Identifying and Supporting Vulnerabilities
Learn to recognize witness vulnerabilities and provide appropriate support throughout the interview process. - Adapting Interview Techniques
Discover practical methods for tailoring your interview approach to promote equal participation and meaningful engagement. - Navigating Unexpected Challenges
Develop the skills to handle vulnerabilities that emerge unexpectedly during an interview, ensuring fairness and respect are upheld.
This session is essential for HR professionals, workplace and regulatory investigators, and anyone conducting high-stakes interviews. Join us to elevate your investigative approach and achieve better, fairer outcomes.
Our Speakers
Greg Hutchinson, B. Comm
Co-CEO, Barker Hutchinson
Kristin Elliot, LL.M., LL.B., B.A.
Sr. Investigator, Barker Hutchinson
Kristin draws on a wealth of experience as a workplace and regulatory investigator, labour and employment lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator to conduct thorough, empathetic, trauma-informed investigations. She values being able to improve the quality and dynamics of the workplace by addressing issues in crisis and identifying systemic issues before they escalate. Kristin is also an experienced workplace mediator, providing both evaluative and interest-based alternative dispute resolution services. Her mediation expertise assists clients in achieving individualized, lower-cost solutions to workplace conflicts, avoiding formal complaint processes and litigation.
Before joining Barker Hutchinson, Kristin practised for over twenty years as a labour and employment lawyer, with a focus on workplace investigations. She is a rostered investigator with the Government of Ontario and conducts workplace investigations across a range of provincial government ministries.
Chantalle LaFitte, J.D., BSc (Hons)
Investigator, Barker Hutchinson
Chantelle is an experienced investigator versed in conducting trauma-informed, balanced, and unbiased investigations. Her ability to synthesize, analyze, and critique evidence while conducting interviews results in clear, thorough investigations.
Chantelle practiced criminal law for nearly ten years before joining Barker Hutchinson, representing clients with a wide range of offenses, from minor theft to first degree murder at all levels of Court in Ontario. Her passion for solving complex problems is grounded in her rigorous search for clarity and truth.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a call with one of our experts and have an investigator assigned to your case within 24 hours.
As our Co-CEO, Greg oversees Barker Hutchinson’s business development and financial performance while being steadfastly dedicated to building and supporting a sophisticated team of investigators who share his commitment to fairness, precision and sensitivity.
Greg has conducted hundreds of investigations on a broad range of complex concerns for both employers and regulators. He frequently provides investigative training to employers and regulators across Canada and assists with the development and implementation of investigative policy and process. Greg is also the Administrator of Workplace Investigator Network on LinkedIn, where he facilitates a space for professionals to come together to share knowledge, engage in professional development, and elevate the standards of our industry.