Conducting Workplace Investigations and Alternative Conflict…

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Conducting Workplace Investigations and Alternative Conflict Resolution Methods

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

09:15 - 13:30 (4 hrs)

Online

2 Half Days - 26th & 27th February

Legal Island’s best-selling Conducting Workplace Investigations and Alternative Conflict Resolution Methods course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to guide employees through the most suitable conflict resolution methods, including how to participate in investigations sensibly, fairly, and effectively in keeping with the legal and procedural.

Event details

About the event?

26th February 2 Half Days - 26th & 27th February

Online Zoom

€395.00

Overview

When does a complaint warrant an investigation? When would it be better to use mediation techniques to resolve the complaint? Does the allegation fall within the legal definitions of inappropriate behaviour or other forms of gross misconduct? Do you know which of the various Codes of Practice or laws to follow when conducting a remote investigation including the new Revised WRC Code of Practice issued a few weeks ago? Do you have a ‘best practice’ process for applying other methods of resolution before proceeding to a formal investigation?

These and many more questions will arise throughout what can be a convoluted and frustrating process, especially with many investigations now taking place remotely via Zoom or MS Teams.

What are the learning outcomes?

Identify what issues warrant a formal investigation and what complaints/issues might best be resolved through informal resolution or mediation.
Understand what is meant by ‘inappropriate behaviours' at work, and how to identify whether these behaviours constitute bullying or harassment.
Describe the key concepts of how to manage a remote mediation, including how to reach an agreement to mediate, how to manage the process and how to follow up afterwards.
Be able to conduct a formal investigation remotely from start to finish– procedure, questioning, note-taking, witnesses, and report.
Practical samples to take away with you.

Who should attend this event?

This event is ideally suited to employers, senior managers, investigation officers and HR professionals.

Programme

A detailed look at Conducting Workplace Investigations event...

Here's what to expect over the 2 half days.

Time

Session

09:15 am

Day 1

Introduction and Objectives

An introduction to the course tutor, and participants are invited to outline what they would like to achieve from the training session.

09:45 am

When to investigate, formal v informal?

The first challenge faced by supervisors and line managers is what should their initial response be to an employee complaint or issue.

Attendees will review a range of practical scenarios which describe employee complaints and issues ranging from allegations of bullying to suspicion of theft, with the objective of learning when to investigate, when to mediate and what can be handled informally.

10:45 am

Refreshment Break

11:00 am

How to identify inappropriate behaviours at work

A key area which can give rise to the need to investigate is the area of alleged bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination.; this part reviews the definition and examples of these types of inappropriate behaviour at work, and how to determine, with reference to the legal guidelines firstly whether a complaint actually falls within these definitions or not, and secondly what may be the appropriate course of follow-up action (e.g. informal resolution, mediation, investigation).

12:00 pm

Key concepts of workplace mediation (including remote mediations)

Mediation is a skill that requires practice, patience and maturity; the purpose of this session is to provide attendees with enough information to begin that journey, to introduce participants to the key concepts of what is a ‘best practice ‘mediation intervention, how to manage a workplace mediation, including how to reach an agreement to mediate, how to manage the process and how to follow up afterwards.

Tutor will share her experience of remote mediation – what works and what pitfalls to watch out for when carrying out a remote mediation

13:00 pm

Close of day 1

09:30 am

Day 2

Welcome back

09:45 am

Conducting and documenting a formal investigation, including how to carry out a remote investigation

An overview of the role of the investigator
A checklist for the pre-interview documentation to be issued (terms of reference, scope, timeframe, outputs, appeal) – importance of transparency v Data Privacy issues
Importance of appointing an impartial investigation panel
A checklist of appropriate questions to ask the complainant, person complained of and any witnesses and how to handle the interview process remotely
How to handle the logistics of a remote investigation
Role of representatives
A guide to appropriate note-taking/recording, including how to handle reporting on remote investigation interviews
How to handle requests for mediation, counselling, withdrawal of complaint etc… that may arise during the investigation
How to prepare an investigation report and sample report layout

10:30 am

Comfort break

10:45 am

Final stages: tThe outputs of the formal investigation

How to form conclusions and make recommendations.

Principles of transparency of information
Final communications with the employee / complainant, person complained about
Appeals

11:45 am

Q&A

Time to ask any questions you have left.

12:15 pm

Summary and conclusions

12:30 pm

Event close

Testimonials

Feedback that speaks volumes...

Here's what previous attendees had to say about Conducting Workplace Investigations and Alternative Conflict Resolution Methods.

"Excellent presentations from Michelle who also included a lot of very useful information on top of what was in the presentation. The interactive nature of a lot of the presentation was very effective. The seminar was managed very smoothly and the support both before and during the seminar were excellent."

David Bell Managing Director, The HR Department

"Michelle was excellent. Very well informed with great examples and was able to give robust answers to all questions asked."

Jason O'Mara Higher Executive Officer, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

"Excellent presenter, course notes really good. Legal Island Admin on the chat were really quick to provide links."

Siofra Kilcullen SEO Corporate Development and Human Resources, Mayo County Council

"The information was exactly what I was looking for and it was delivered clearly and in plain English. The examples were very accurate in what I deal with."

Lucy O'Sullivan Assistant director, Legal Aid Board

"Michelle is a great facilitator and used very practical examples throughout the day. The material provided is very comprehensive and a great take away for future reference."

Rebecca Domican HR Business Partner, Central Bank of Ireland

Presenters

Explore the presenters on the day