Neutral Investigation

Cases examined 

The investigation assignment may target alleged wrongdoings involving staff and allegations of facts that constitute misconduct. For example, an investigation may be conducted as a result of suspected misconduct, or a complaint involving allegations of: 

• Assault or threats; 
• Psychological harassment in the workplace; 
• Sexual harassment in the workplace; 
• Insubordination or willful, reckless or negligent failure to observe rules and guidelines; 
• Any other circumstances constituting a violation of the rules, or the behavioral standards normally expected of staff members in the organization. 

Investigation standards 

Investigation mandates are conducted in a competent, comprehensive, objective and effective manner, in accordance with the highest professional standards and practices. Investigation mandates are carried out independently and impartially, vis-à-vis an organization’s operational staff, and any person subject to an investigation, any witnesses and other parties to the investigation process. Any conflict of interest must be disclosed to a client, before the commencement of work related to an investigation. 

Investigation plan

The planning process for an investigation takes into account the specific needs and requirements of a client organization. The investigation plan outlines the questions to be resolved, and determines activities to be completed, including; the priority level and estimated duration of each, and the time frame within which the completion of each step in the investigation process is expected. It also determines the order and manner in which the investigation will be conducted, and the requirements for preliminary and final reports and closing activities of an investigation.

Decision to launch investigation

Decisions on which investigations should be pursued are typically made by an organization’s executive management, or appointed authority, in accordance with its internal policies, rules and procedures. Such decisions are made further to an intial evaluation of a complaint, which aims to determine the credibility, materiality and verifiability of the allegations its contains, and whether there is a legitimate basis to warrant an investigation.   

Costs

The cost of the investigation service may include the following: 

• Honorarium for the administration, planning, execution and termination of an investigation mandate, including; reading filed documents, in-person or teleconference meetings, videoconferences with management, in person or at distance investigative hearings, interviews with parties and witnesses, drafting various documents, production and communication of preliminary and final investigation reports; 
• Reasonable travel expenses and administrative expenses associated with the delivery of services, reimbursable at cost, unless otherwise agreed;
• Fees for additional half-day investigation hearings.

Language of Investigation Services

Investigative hearings, interviews and work meetings are conducted in English or French, at the choice of the parties and witnesses. Interpretation services may be procured, at cost, for parties wishing to conduct the investigation process in their native language.

Location of Investigation Services

Investigative interviews and hearings are held in a suitable location, that is one that reasonably guarantees the confidentiality of the investigation process.

Availability of Investigation Services

The Workplace Investigation Service is available to communities in Canada. 

You may obtain more information and booking assistance from:

Praxis Forum Secretariat

Internet: http://www.praxis-forum.com  

E-mail: secretariat@praxis-forum.com