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
3. Procedure
Purpose of the investigation
The objective of an investigation is to obtain all relevant information to establish the facts of the case. This will include interviewing the employee(s) being investigated and all relevant witnesses, taking statements or notes of meetings, obtaining documentary evidence, e.g. employment records, and contacting outside agencies, bodies and individuals as appropriate.