Investigation Policy - June 2026
In this section
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Scope
- 3. Procedure
- 4. Appointing an Investigating Officer
- 5. People Services - HR Business Partner (HRBP)
- 6. Employee Responsibilities
- 7. Sickness Absence During an Investigation
- 8. Notification of an Investigation
- 9. Representation
- 10. Recording an Investigation Meeting
- 11. Timescale
- 12. Support for Employees
- 13. Confidentiality
- 14. Ensuring Equality of Treatment
- Appendix 1 - Guidelines for Investigating Officers
- Appendix 2 - Template Terms of Reference for Investigation
- Appendix 3 - Investigation Planning Template
- Appendix 4 - Template Investigation Meeting Record
- Appendix 5 - Investigation Officer’s Report Template
- Appendix 6 - Protocol for Disciplinary Hearing
- Appendix 7 - Questioning Approaches to Use
11. Timescale
It is not possible to be prescriptive about the time taken to undertake an internal investigation. However, investigations should aim to be completed within 28 calendar days wherever possible, but this is dependent on the complexity of the case. If this is not possible the investigating officer will inform all parties of the delays, the reason for the delay and the likely date of completion of the investigation.
In the event that contradictions come to light during the investigation the investigating officer should ensure these are clearly identified and attempts made to determine why these have arisen and resolved where possible. The investigating officer will in these circumstances re-interview employees at the investigation stage rather than the contradictions coming to light during a hearing.
On completion of the investigation, the Investigating Officer will provide the investigating report with recommendations to the Commissioning Manager.
It is the Commissioning Manager’s responsibility to consider the investigation report and recommendations and determine if any further action is required. The Commissioning Manager is responsible for communicating the recommendations to the employee within seven calendar days of completion of the investigation and where appropriate makes arrangements for convening a disciplinary hearin