Workplace Investigation Policy
This Workplace Investigation Policy can be implemented by a company to provide guidance for conducting internal investigations.
4.0 (4 reviews)
Last updated December 20, 2024
Under 5 minutes
Suitable for Australia
Written by
Edwin Montoya Zorrilla
Reviewed by
Damin Murdock
Document Overview
This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities relating to alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment and other violations of company policies, rules and standards of conduct. This policy is important for maintaining a safe and respectful work environment, and for ensuring that employees are held accountable for their actions.
The workplace investigation policy typically outlines the types of incidents that may warrant an investigation, such as allegations of harassment, discrimination, or other forms of misconduct. It also outlines the process for reporting an incident, including the steps that an employee should take if they witness or experience an incident of misconduct.
The policy may also outline the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in the investigation, such as the HR department, managers, and employees. It may also outline the methods of investigation that will be used, such as interviewing witnesses and reviewing relevant documents.
A Workplace Investigation Policy provides a clear and consistent framework for conducting investigations. This can help to ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and objectively, and can help to avoid any potential legal issues that may arise if an investigation is conducted improperly.
It can also help to create a culture of transparency and accountability in the workplace. By clearly outlining the process for reporting and investigating incidents of misconduct, employees can feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously and that appropriate action will be taken if necessary.
Additionally, a Workplace Investigation Policy can help to prevent incidents of misconduct from occurring in the first place. By clearly communicating the company's policies and procedures regarding harassment, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct, employees are more likely to understand what is expected of them and to behave in a manner that is consistent with company policies.
The Legal Risk Score of a Workplace Investigation Policy Template
Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:
- There is a risk that the investigation process may not be perceived as impartial if the investigative team does not adequately separate personal opinions from factual evidence, as the findings must remain free from any personal opinion of the investigator.
- The document does not specify safeguards against potential breaches of confidentiality, especially considering the sensitive nature of the information handled during investigations.
- The procedure for dealing with non-cooperative witnesses may lead to perceptions of coercion or unfair treatment if not managed with sensitivity and adherence to procedural fairness.
Overall, this document outlines a structured approach to handling workplace conduct investigations, which can mitigate some risks associated with employee misconduct. However, the effectiveness of the policy largely depends on the careful and unbiased execution of the outlined procedures, which requires a moderate level of understanding and diligence from users to ensure fairness and compliance.
Workplace Investigation Policy Checklist
Complete your free Workplace Investigation Policy with our checklist
Review of Investigation Findings
Ensure that the findings of the investigation are carefully reviewed to confirm that they are based solely on the collected evidence and are free from personal opinions, as required by the policy.
Confidentiality Maintenance
Maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process, especially when handling sensitive information such as witness statements and the final investigation report.
Decision Notification
Inform both the complainant and the wrongdoer in writing about the outcome of the investigation, whether an allegation is substantiated or unsubstantiated, to ensure transparency and closure for all parties involved.
Document Storage
Securely store all investigation-related documents, including evidence, reports, and decision notifications, to ensure they are preserved for future reference and to uphold privacy restrictions.
Use this Workplace Investigation Policy if:
- You wish to inform employees of the procedure relating to a workplace investigation.
- You want to establish a procedure for company investigations.
What does this Workplace Investigation Policy cover?
- Purpose of the policy
- Investigative procedure
- Investigation report
- Outcome of investigation
Further information
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