Workplace investigations
When you need to know what happened, and to get there fairly.
When something has gone seriously wrong and trust is low, the facts sometimes need to be established by someone independent. We run a fair process for everyone involved, and when the facts call for it, we make clear findings you can stand behind.
Quoted after scoping. We give you an estimate, and revisit it with you if the matter changes.
Investigations led by
A registered psychologist and former criminal investigator.
Kieran
When it needs an investigation
It might need an investigation if...
- Someone has made a formal complaint of bullying, harassment or misconduct.
- The people involved describe what happened very differently.
- A decision about someone's conduct depends on the facts.
- There's a risk to someone's safety or wellbeing.
- The complaint involves someone senior, and the process needs to be seen as independent.
- You need a clear, documented process you can stand behind.
Choosing the right process
Investigation, or mediation?
This is
An investigation
Establishes what happened. The investigator gathers evidence, hears from everyone involved and makes findings you can act on.
This is
Mediation
Helps people agree on what happens next. Nobody is found at fault, and it only works if the people involved are willing.
Some matters need both, usually in that order. If we investigate a matter, a different panel member runs any mediation that follows.
How we approach investigations
Willing to decide. Careful about when.
Sometimes the facts need to be established. When people or a business need protecting, we investigate thoroughly and make clear findings.
Because our panel includes mediators, coaches and trainers, we also know an investigation can make working relationships harder to repair and can raise tensions. That's why we talk it through with you first, and recommend an investigation only when it's the right process for the situation.
“Conflict is rarely about what's happening on the surface.”
How it works
How an investigation runs.
$290, 45 minutes
Triage call
We talk through the concerns and check whether an investigation is the right process. It isn't always: the call may point to mediation, coaching, training or a policy fix instead.
Revisited if it changes
Scope and estimate
We agree the concerns to be investigated, who we are likely to speak with and the documents we may need, then provide an estimate. Investigations can change shape as information comes to light, so we keep you informed and revisit the scope and cost with you if that happens.
Everyone heard
Interviews and evidence
We interview the people involved and relevant witnesses, and gather the documents. Each person is treated with respect throughout.
Procedural fairness
A fair chance to respond
Once the allegations are framed, the person responding hears them and has a real opportunity to answer before any finding is made.
In writing
Report of findings
You receive a written report with a finding on each allegation and the evidence behind it. What happens next is your decision.
Pricing
Scoped with you. Revisited if it changes.
Triage call
45 minutes, ex GST
$290
Investigation
after scoping, ex GST
Quoted
- An experienced, independent investigator
- Interviews with the people involved and witnesses
- Procedural fairness for everyone
- Kept informed at each stage
- A written report of findings
We don't give legal advice. Before you act on the findings, check whether you need employment law advice.
On our panel
Who leads investigations.
Lead investigator
Kieran Plasto
Workplace investigator, registered psychologist and accredited mediator
Registered psychologist, former criminal investigator and police negotiator, with more than 30 years' experience in complex workplace dynamics. Leads our workplace investigations.
Founder, triage and mediation
Shiv Martin
Nationally accredited mediator and conciliator
Founder of the Shiv Martin Group. A mediator, conciliator and independent decision maker, and the person you'll speak with on a triage call.
Every matter is matched on the triage call, and checked for conflicts of interest before anything is booked.
In their words
What Kieran's clients say.
“Working with Kieran was invaluable in managing a complex workplace matter. His professionalism and independence created absolute confidence.”
Senior Executive, Peak Industry Body
Who is involved?
Free tool, two minutes
Not sure which process fits?
Questions
Workplace investigations: common questions.
How much does an investigation cost?
It depends on the concerns involved, how many people we need to speak with and how much material there is. We scope it with you and provide an estimate. If the matter changes as information comes to light, we revisit the scope and cost with you.
How long does it take?
It depends on the scope and on everyone's availability, so we don't promise a timeframe at the start. We keep you informed at each stage.
Will you always recommend an investigation?
No. An investigation is the right process when the facts need to be established, but it can make working relationships harder to repair. The triage call may point to mediation, coaching, training or a policy fix instead.
Is it confidential?
Everyone involved is asked to keep the process confidential. Information is shared only as far as a fair process requires, for example so the person responding knows what has been alleged.
Can you mediate after the investigation?
Yes, if it would help people work together again. A different panel member runs it, so the mediator comes to it fresh.
Is this legal advice?
No. We don't give legal advice and we're not a law firm. If your situation needs a lawyer, we'll say so on the triage call, and we're happy to work alongside yours.
Where to next
- ResourcesMediation or investigation?The distinction that decides what happens next, explained in plain English.Read more
- ServicesWorkplace mediationFor colleagues, managers or a whole team. A structured, confidential conversation with someone on nobody's side.Read more
- ServicesHR guidancePractical advice when you're handling a complaint, a grievance or a team that has stopped working.Read more
Request a triage call
Start in the middle.
Calm, clear and early is usually better than perfect and too late. $290 ex GST for 45 minutes, and a short email of next-step recommendations afterwards. No obligation to book further work.
- 1Send a request with a few lines about your situation.
- 2We reply within two business days, check suitability and agree on a time and payment arrangements.
- 3You speak with Shiv for 45 minutes, then receive a short email with next-step recommendations.
Kieran and Shiv