Workplace Investigations

Why Choose Clear Boundaries

Workplace investigations often involve sensitive matters and complex workplace dynamics. Organisations need confidence that the investigation process will be independent, fair and professionally conducted.

Clear Boundaries provides experienced investigators who understand workplace obligations and the importance of procedural fairness.

When an External Investigation May Be Appropriate

Organisations may consider engaging an external investigator where a complaint involves serious allegations or where independence and impartiality are important.

Situations where an external investigation may be appropriate include:

• allegations of workplace bullying
• allegations of harassment or discrimination
• sexual harassment complaints
• complaints involving senior leaders or management
• complex workplace complaints involving multiple parties
• situations where internal impartiality may be questioned
• matters involving potential legal, reputational or regulatory risk

Engaging an external investigator can help ensure that the process is fair, transparent and professionally managed.

What a Workplace Investigation Involves

A workplace investigation is a structured process used to establish findings of fact based on the available evidence.

While every investigation is different, the process typically includes:

• initial assessment -review of the complaint and relevant information
• development of an investigation plan
• interviews with the complainant, respondent and relevant witnesses
• review of relevant documentation or other evidence
• assessment of the evidence against workplace policies or procedures
• preparation of a written investigation report outlining the findings

The purpose of the investigation is not to determine guilt or innocence, but to establish findings of fact based on the available evidence.

Independent and Impartial

Investigations are conducted independently to ensure the process is fair to all parties.

Engaging an external investigator can help organisations manage complaints where impartiality may otherwise be questioned.

Our investigations provide clear, well reasoned findings that stand up to scrutiny.

Regulatory Experience

Clear Boundaries investigators are former WorkSafe psychosocial inspectors with practical experience assessing workplace risks and investigating complex matters.

This experience provides valuable insight into workplace obligations and regulatory expectations.

Structured and Professional Process

Investigations follow a structured and consistent process designed to ensure fairness and transparency.

Clear documentation of the investigation process and evidence helps ensure that findings are clearly explained and easily understood.

Understanding Psychosocial Risk

Many workplace complaints arise from underlying psychosocial hazards such as excessive workload, poor workplace relationships or organisational pressures.

Clear Boundaries brings strong expertise in psychosocial risk management and can assist organisations in identifying and addressing these risks.

Practical and Proportionate Approach

Investigations are conducted in a practical and proportionate manner. We are trained in and apply a trauma informed approach to ensure participants are not exposed to further injury during the process. We also hold current Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) certification.

Our focus is not only on establishing findings, but also on helping organisations move forward and address workplace issues effectively.