Mastering Fact-Finding and Investigation
Building Internal Capacity to Effectively Deal with Workplace Complaints
4 CREDITS
LEARNING MODEL: IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
According to research conducted by Queen’s IRC, today’s labour relations practitioners are spending an increasing amount of time — up to 25 percent of their efforts — conducting formal and informal investigations of workplace complaints. The complaints may relate to harassment, conflicts of interest, discrimination, whistle blowing, or many other difficult types of cases, and are partly a response to tougher human rights and occupational health and safety laws. But research also shows that many HR managers and LR practitioners, including union representatives, feel they are inadequately prepared for the rigours of investigating complaints. This program gives LR Practitioners hands-on training on how to assemble the facts of a case without worsening the situation.
DATE, LOCATION & FEE
PROGRAM DATE | LOCATION | VENUE | REGISTRATION END DATE | FEE | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nov 01 - Nov 04, 2022 | Toronto | Old Mill Toronto | Oct 27 | $4895 | |
Mar 07 - Mar 10, 2023 | Victoria | Details will be provided after registration. | Mar 02 | $4895 | |
Jun 20 - Jun 23, 2023 | Calgary | Details will be provided after registration. | Jun 15 | $4,895 |
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Managers, supervisors, union officials, and Labour Relations and Human Resources professionals who are involved in statutory and non-statutory harassment fact-finding as well as other types of workplace investigations
ORGANIZATIONAL BENEFITS
- Significant savings in third-party fact-finding costs
- Faster and more streamlined preparation for investigations
- More reliable investigation results
- Greater internal capacity for gathering evidence
- Investigative reports that comply with statutory obligations
- Ability to assess quality of report and findings
TAKEAWAY TOOLS
- Fact-Finding Workbook
- Interview Templates
- Sample Fact-Finding Reports
Download a brochure
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learn how to:
- Pre-screen complaints and select the correct process
- Plan the investigation using a step-by-step guide
- Participate in a joint union-management investigation process
- Conduct effective interviews
- Handle difficult witnesses
- Gather and assess evidence
- Write an investigation report
PROGRAM DETAILS
Learn how to plan the investigation, conduct interviews, and properly weigh the evidence. Receive on-the-spot coaching to ensure the skills you develop can be immediately and effectively applied back on the job.
a) Selecting the Right Path
Which fact-finding process is best? Your session leaders will discuss the differences between a formal investigation and an informal workplace assessment.
- A formal investigation is held to comply with the employer’s responsibilities under human rights or other legislation.
- A workplace assessment is a non-blaming process that offers generic results and recommendations that may be shared with staff.
You’ll be guided through the four stages of the fact-finding process. Learn how to pre-screen complaints and ensure you select the correct process and terms of reference for the issue. Review the legal framework and key procedural aspects and principles.
Ultimately, the investigation process you’ll follow will depend on several factors:
- What are the dynamics of conflict, in terms of interests and relationships?
- What are the applicable policies?
- What is the desired outcome: Deterrence or confidentiality? Compliance with statutory obligations? Workplace restoration?
b) Preparing the Plan
An investigation encompasses four stages: pre-investigation screening, planning the investigation, interviewing, and preparing the interview report. Learn the key elements to preparing a plan:
- Listing and numbering the important questions to be answered
- Identifying the right people to be interviewed
- Identifying the records to be examined and the person from whom they should be obtained
You’ll be guided through this process to learn how to identify witnesses and relevant documentation, and how to craft essential questions.
c) The Art and Science of Interviewing
What are the key issues that need to be considered when staging an interview? Using a case study based on an actual situation as well as tips on empathetic listening, you will apply your learning and use your skills to interview witnesses and handle difficult behaviours, and be coached along the way. You’ll also take away a list of sample questions to get you started.
Learn how to:
- Prepare for the interview, including how to build the conditions for the best outcomes and how to ensure fairness
- Open the interview and set the context
- Craft the right questions, based on the five W’s: who, what, where, when, why
- Deal with reluctant, uncooperative, or emotional witnesses
- See through smokescreens and issues unrelated to the complaint at hand
- Conclude the interview on the right note
d) Gathering and Documenting Evidence
Drawing on templates and structured formats, you will practice compiling evidence to support your investigative findings. Experienced leaders will walk you through evidentiary do’s and don’s. You will also learn how to identify useful evidence based on its relevance, credibility, and admissibility in legal proceedings.
e) Report Your Findings
What are the essential components of an investigative report? How do you assess and compile evidence? Work with your learning team to create a written summary of your findings and analysis, including the terms of reference, process followed, summary of evidence, findings in dispute and not in dispute, and analysis.
f) Navigating Through the Common Pitfalls
Session leaders will help you recognize the most common barriers to an effective fact-finding exercise.
The possible pitfalls are many, including:
- Institutional delay
- Difficult witnesses
- Involvement of lawyers
- Lack of direct access to witnesses
- Investigator bias
By the end of this module, you will have several organizational strategies that can be deployed to ensure consistent results.
g) Post-Investigation Considerations
Learn how to follow through after an investigation, from notifying parties to addressing ongoing workplace issues.