Investigations

Our Investigations and Regulatory team are highly experienced at conducting investigations, UK or internationally, in a way which ensures that the facts are uncovered and all parties are treated fairly. This helps our clients to ensure that appropriate action can be taken and all risks to the business are identified.

Our team of specialist investigators routinely conduct the full spectrum of workplace investigations, from bullying, misconduct, #metoo or safeguarding, to dishonesty, expenses, financial fraud or data breaches. We are also highly experienced in dealing with regulatory investigations, including those involving advertising, health & safety, consumer, retail, sports and media issues.

Workplace investigations

Our lawyers have conducted some of the most sensitive, high profile and complex investigations, across a range of sectors; from professional and financial services to media and sport. These investigations can be undertaken on an open or a legally privileged basis.

We conduct investigations without fear or favour, building trust with all parties and delicately managing the human elements at play. Uniquely, our team consists of expert lawyers, HR professionals and trained mental health first aiders working seamlessly together to manage all aspects of the investigation and to ensure a proportionate response. We are also able to use experienced HR consultants to act as an extension of your team, managing issues of capacity and keeping costs down and, in circumstances where your own HR Director is too close to the allegations, we can leverage our in-house HR Director to work with you.

Our work includes interviewing witnesses, locating and collating documents and other evidence, working with forensic experts, and preparing written statements. We then prepare detailed investigation reports, which enable your business to determine the way forward with confidence that you have a full grasp of the facts.

Regulatory Intervention

We routinely investigate allegations raised against regulated employers and help the business to manage its relationship with the regulator. We ensure that the company’s response to any allegations raised meets the expectations and requirements of its regulators.

We are experienced at dealing with investigations threatened or brought by regulators such as: the Advertising Standards Authority; the Independent Press Standards Organisation; the Information Commissioners Office and many more. We can also assist with any related reputational management issues.

As many businesses look to manage a safe return to the workplace arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, compliance with government, health and safety laws and regulations and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance is more vital then ever. Failure to do so can expose businesses to negligence claim, regulator investigation or criminal prosecution. We can assist with HSE enquiries, investigations and defending prosecutions when facing a health & safety breach.

Our team includes an experienced in-house criminal practitioner who works alongside lawyers specialising in dispute resolution, advertising, competition, data, media, sports, employment, and partnership law as part of a co-ordinated Investigations and Regulatory team.

Audits and Training

Our team works closely with clients to protect against future allegations. We provide tailored audits (including diversity and inclusion audits and workplace data privacy audits) and a full suite of bespoke training for HR, in-house lawyers, managers and others, provided by our specialist training team. We also offer ‘mock dawn raids’ to ensure clients have a coordinated and rehearsed response plan in place.

Meet our team

Visit our Investigations blog to read our thoughts and comments on topical and current news.