Managing HR Investigations (for Councils)

Overview

Being effective at managing HR investigations within a local council is essential for ensuring fairness, transparency, legal compliance, operational efficiency, and maintaining public trust.

This training is designed to help managers understand the legal, procedural, and practical requirements of conducting investigations within a council setting.

The training is very interactive with lots of group discussions. You will be given the opportunity to share your own experiences and have your questions answered.

Objectives

By attending this training, you will –

• Know how to manage an investigatory process in line with the council’s HR policies and procedures.
• Know how to structure an effective investigation, including identifying key witnesses and using appropriate questioning techniques.
• Further develop interpersonal skills for effective witness interviews.
• Know how to establish key facts necessary for effective and accurate investigation reports.
• Appreciate the importance of the use of language used in an investigation report.
• Be able to carry out an effective investigation.

Content

• An overview of current disciplinary and grievance laws
• The ACAS Code of Practice
• Terms of Reference (purpose, scope, stakeholders, format and timescales)
• Risks and consequences e.g. delays, impact on individuals and colleagues, unconscious bias, confidentiality.
• A structured approach to managing investigations
• Roles and responsibilities within the investigation process
• Gathering evidence: uncontested, contested, gaps, facts and opinions
• Key attributes for successful evidence gathering
• Conducting investigation interviews and effective note‑taking
• The investigation report