Our employment experts have launched an investigation and mediation service

We have launched new independent investigation and mediation services for employers experiencing claims against them or allegations within the business, following an increased demand for this specialist expertise.

Workplace investigations

Workplace investigations can be required for a variety of reasons including whistleblowing allegations, grievances, allegations of misconduct, or poor working relationships. Time-consuming and highly sensitive, investigations can take significant resource from senior team members and if conducted poorly, can lead to reputational damage as well as tribunal claims.

Matt McDonald, employment partner, said: “Independent investigations, by trained lawyers, give businesses the best chance of a positive outcome. In addition to formal investigations, we can also conduct legally privileged reviews that cannot be referenced in subsequent litigation, which can be very helpful where there are concerns as to the potential findings of the review and the negative impact those findings could have on any ongoing or subsequent litigation.”

Our head of employment, David Browne, added “we are particularly well equipped to deal with complex and sensitive issues, for example we are shortly to receive accreditation for investigating sexual misconduct and malpractice allegations, where a trauma-informed approach may be necessary.”

Independent workplace mediation

We have also launched an independent workplace mediation service, which can be adopted to nip issues in the bud and mitigate risk for organisations, as well as trying to resolve those matters that have led to a significant dispute and/or litigation. Led by accredited workplace mediators, the service can help repair relationship breakdown and resolve disputes between people of all levels across an organisation, before it becomes business critical.

Qualified mediator and employment law expert Esther Maxwell, said: “Disagreements can happen between anyone in the business; from individuals and conflict within teams, to disputes between managers and employees or between business partners. Independent mediation provides a neutrality to potentially volatile situations, and works to find a win-win outcome and prevent the issue escalating further.

“We are seeing an increase in demand for both mediation and investigations as more businesses seek to minimise disruption and reduce potential risk, particularly at a time when skill shortages are an issue and cost of doing business is at an all-time high. Grievances are common, and can happen in businesses of all shapes and sizes, what’s important is that they are dealt with sensitively, respectfully and professionally, without letting emotions or personal biases cloud judgement; this is where independent advice is absolutely critical.”

How we can help

If you need advice with dealing with a claim or allegation within your business, whether that’s with investigative work or guidance and support through the mediation process, then our team of dedicated experts can help –  contact David Brown, Esther Maxwell or Matt McDonald today.