Investigation Reviews

ENSURING BEST PRACTICE

Investigation Reviews

Investigation reviews are a review of a workplace investigation that has been carried out by another investigator against best-practice standards. 

As leaders in the field of workplace investigations, we conduct investigation reviews to determine whether, in the original investigation: 

  • It was undertaken with procedural fairness, and the investigative process adopted was objective, and thorough.
  • All relevant witnesses were interviewed, and their evidence tested, credibility analysed and accurately reflected in the final report.
  • All relevant documentary and other evidence were sourced, tested, and verified and accurately reflected in the final report.
  • The subject was given a fair opportunity to respond to the substance of the adverse evidence against them.
  • All evidence was appropriately weighed, analysed, and accurately reflected in the final report.
  • Findings were made based on the appropriate standard of proof.

Once we compare the original investigation against best-practice standards, we provide you with a report outlining our findings.

 

John Farren and Alison McRae
Two business people looking at a laptop

CERTAINTY. CLARITY. INDEPENDENCE.

Why Have an Investigation Review?

Legal advisers for the subjects of investigations, or the subjects themselves, who have had adverse findings made against them in an investigation, may wish to have expert investigators review the investigation report against best-practice standards.

Where we conduct a review of the investigation and find that the original investigation was not conducted according to best-practice standards, our review report is then available to assist consideration as part of any disciplinary or termination process.

Undertaking an external, expert-level investigative review, organisations can help improve the quality and confidence in their decision making and reduce the likelihood of the matter going on to litigation.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS

Expert Investigation Reviews

Farren McRae are internationally renowned experts in conducting investigation reviews for government organisations, statutory bodies, private sector businesses, not for profits and law firms.

With expertise honed over 20 years, we have an international reputation for setting best-practice workplace investigation standards against which other investigations are measured. 

While we are based in Brisbane, we provide workplace investigation review services worldwide.

Our investigative review reports are comprehensive, independent, reliable, and logical, enabling you to confidently make a decision.

Business person with a large pile of papers with bulldog clips
DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE

Wide-ranging and Extensive Expertise

Our workplace investigation experience covers a wide range of allegations, including:

  • Misconduct
  • Corrupt conduct
  • Professional misconduct and clinical negligence
  • Bullying and victimisation
  • Workplace and Sexual harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Code of conduct breaches
  • Grievances
  • Fraud and theft
  • Deficient and corrupt procurement processes
  • Maladministration
  • Deficient and corrupt recruitment processes
  • Verbal and physical abuse
  • Careless, incompetent, and inefficient performance of duties
  • Contravening lawful directions
  • Misuse and misappropriation of public resources
  • Misuse and misappropriation of controlled drugs
  • Use of illegal drugs in the workplace
  • Breaches of confidentiality and unauthorised access of confidential information
  • Provision of false and misleading information/making of false complaints
DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE

Wide-ranging and Extensive Expertise

Our workplace investigation experience covers a wide range of allegations, including:

  • Misconduct
  • Corrupt conduct
  • Professional misconduct and clinical negligence
  • Bullying and victimisation
  • Workplace and Sexual harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Code of conduct breaches
  • Grievances
  • Fraud and theft
  • Verbal and physical abuse
  • Careless, incompetent, and inefficient performance of duties
  • Contravening lawful directions
  • Misuse and misappropriation of public resources
  • Misuse and misappropriation of controlled drugs
  • Use of illegal drugs in the workplace
  • Breaches of confidentiality and unauthorised access of confidential information
  • Provision of false and misleading information/making of false complaints
  • Deficient and corrupt procurement processes
  • Maladministration
  • Deficient and corrupt recruitment processes
Person in a blue suit reviewing a stack of paper

OUR APPROACH

Sophisticated, Flexible and Efficient

We believe that a workplace investigator’s role is simple – to get to the truth of the matter.

It is not to prosecute the complaint, and it is not to defend the respondent. Nor is it to be a mere mouthpiece of the employer or produce a result that might best suit the employer’s objectives.

An effective workplace investigation discovers the facts and clears the waters to allow the decision-maker a clear basis on which to make a finding.

Our review process ensures that the facts of the case have been correctly ascertained; that the process by which the review was conducted was ethical, transparent, and fair; that any potential bias has been identified; and that any findings are grounded in the facts of the matter.

Our workplace investigations review team are expert, highly skilled and knowledgeable.

 

 

OUR APPROACH

Logical. Thorough and Effective

Our workplace investigation review process follows similar broad steps.

1

Terms of Reference

An effective workplace investigation review starts with clear and comprehensive instructions obtained from each client (usually through Terms of Reference) to ensure that the client’s requirements are clearly understood. 

2

Investigation Review Process

We plan the investigation review process and the methodology that we will be applying. 

We conduct a thorough desk top review of all process documentation, interview transcripts, and other evidence gathered during the initial investigation and the detail of the findings and the report. 

We evaluate the quality of the investigative process for objectivity, procedural fairness, and thoroughness. 

We apply best-practice rules to reconcile conflicting evidence and to review whether all relevant matters have been considered and documented as part of the investigative process. 

We review all findings to ensure they are based on fact and not conjecture and are sufficient to make confident decisions.

3

Report Preparation and Presentation

After our review process, we prepare a thorough and detailed analysis and report for the client. This report documents the process adopted in the review as well as our findings.

Client feedback is that our investigative review reports are comprehensive and logical, enabling matters with to be determined with confidence. 

Need an Investigation Review?

Book a consultation to determine if an independent external review is the best course of action for your case.