Harmers Investigations Practice
The increased claims in bullying and harassment, changes to OHS laws and best practice in workplace relations management require organisations to have sound and reliable independent external investigations advice.
The Harmers Investigations Practice operates to provide an external and independent investigation and training service for employers and their legal representatives in the areas of:
- discrimination;
- harassment;
- occupational health and safety;
- grievances/disputes;
- misconduct; and
- workplace issues.
Our service provides not only investigations but includes assessing individual cases to identify options to facilitate resolution, mediation, strategic or pro-active advice and training to all levels of staff and management.
Harmers brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, both to the investigation process in general, but also the legal issues that may arise. Harmers has conducted many investigations for its clients in all areas within the employment arena, to provide a fair and independent assessment and report.
BENEFITS OF AN EXTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS SERVICE
In most cases of conduct warranting investigation, independent external investigation of the matter can provide a number of important benefits:
- the matter is dealt with impartially and fairly to all concerned;
- there can be no claim of bias;
- there is a far more efficient use of management time;
- the conclusions can be relied upon in any potential legal proceedings;
- proper and appropriate decisions can be made based upon the findings; and
- the report would be privileged as it would be prepared by lawyers.
A comprehensive and thorough investigation of an issue can protect an organisation from legal liability, adverse publicity and provide the knowledge to make appropriate decisions. As such, a comprehensive investigation report is an invaluable management and risk reduction tool.
In the following article (extracted from our forthcoming Summer edition of Work InSights due to be released in December), we look at a few basic pointers about when and how to conduct a workplace investigation, with a quick look at some of the legal risks associated with investigations. Please click here to read "An Introduction to Workplace Investigations".
Read about our Investigations Team here.
If you feel the Harmers Investigations team could assist you, please call Greg Robertson on (02) 9267 4322 or email him at greg.robertson@harmers.com.au.
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