– EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
Workplace Investigations
For a safe and thriving workplace
Everyone is entitled to a healthy and safe workplace.
When something goes wrong at work, it needs to be handled quickly and carefully.
This means looking into problems like wrongdoing, misconduct, or ethical lapses. Acting quickly conveys that you’ve taken the allegations seriously and are dedicated to ensuring a fair outcome.
A good workplace investigation creates a safer and more respectful environment for your employees. It also protects your organization’s reputation and maintains trust within the team. This can lead to happier, more engaged employees.
At Barker Hutchinson, we make sure every investigation is thorough and fair. We’re here to help you create a better workplace.
“Barker Hutchinson has a professional reputation for coming to the right conclusions.”
Our Areas of Expertise.
We help organizations with allegations of:
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Sexual harassment
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Harassment
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Discrimination
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Bullying
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Policy Breaches
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Conflicts of Interest
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Abuse of Authority
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Whistleblower Reports
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Financial Impropriety
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Theft
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Failure to Accommodate
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Incivility
Results You Can Rely On.
Our Process has been honed over 40 years and thousands of investigations. It strikes the perfect balance between swift action and quality results. We anticipate the unexpected, which saves you time and money. Our empathetic interviews minimize re-traumatization, and our fair, balanced process ensures all voices are heard.
We represent our clients with integrity and maintain rigorous checks and balances to ensure accurate, reliable reporting, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions.
The ClearPath Process
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We meet with you to discuss the situation, set mandates, establish timelines and review the investigation process.
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Within 24 hours, the investigation is assigned to an experienced investigator to ensure timely action.
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We collect and analyze all relevant evidence, utilizing forensic IT and forensic accounting when necessary.
4.
Conducting timely, trauma-informed interviews, we assess credibility and prepare findings of fact.
5.
Each report undergoes peer review to ensure clarity, accuracy, and defensibility.
6.
We deliver an impartial report with clear, substantiated findings, backed by thorough analysis and explanations.
Learn how we can help you create a safe and thriving workspace today.
Any Questions?
How is the appropriate workplace investigator assigned to my investigation?
Our large and diverse team include some of the most skilled investigators in the industry. Each one has special areas of expertise and passions.
We take time to understand your case and match you with the right investigator. This way, you’re assigned an investigator who has relevant experience and expertise, ensuring the investigation is handled effectively and efficiently.
How long does it take to perform a workplace investigation?
We conduct high-risk investigations, and because each case is unique, specific timelines are also unique to the case. We ensure an investigator will be assigned within 24 hours after the mandate is finalized, and our investigators remain in regular contact with you to provide transparent timeline updates.
Our approach balances the need for swift resolution with the necessity for a thorough investigation.
How do you minimize re-traumatization during an investigation?
Our investigators are extensively trained to understand how trauma affects a person’s memory and behaviour. They use trauma-informed, person-centred and empathetic approaches by building safety, trust, choice, collaboration and empowerment into our interactions with participants.
Our goal is to avoid retraumatization while ensuring everyone feels heard.
Why would I hire an external Investigator instead of using an internal investigator?
While many organizations rely on internal investigators, there are times when bringing in an external expert is the best choice. This is especially true when there’s a potential conflict of interest or if there’s a risk of perceived bias.
You might consider an external investigator if:
- The case involves senior management.
- Complex legal issues require specialized knowledge.
- The outcome could lead to litigation or public scrutiny.
- Highly sensitive information needs to be kept confidential.
- Ensuring objectivity and impartiality is a priority.
- The investigation demands expertise in handling complex allegations with a trauma-informed, empathetic approach.
In these situations, an external investigator can provide the specialized knowledge and unbiased perspective needed to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.
