Qualified Workplace Investigator

The Qualified Workplace Investigator programme is the first such course in the UK and has been endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). It is based upon our Best Practice Standards for Investigating Complaints into Grievance and Disciplinary Matters, endorsed by the Business School of Manchester University1.

Gaining this qualification means that you will be confident, clear and work to the highest national standards, when it comes to investigating any type of workplace complaint. It means you can deliver a workplace investigation to principles that are fair, sensitive, proportionate, and robust.

Is this course for you?

If you need to be able to carry out investigations which are thorough and fair investigations with confidence, clarity and competence, and to have a certificate of competence and credibility, this course is for you. If you want to formalise your skills and experience as a grievance and disciplinary investigator, or are new to the role, this investigation training is one of the only in the UK to give you a certificate and qualification, from the ILM.

This course is for people who want to be able to undertake investigations into grievance, disciplinary, and other complaints, including allegations of bullying and harassment. You will learn how to conduct fair, robust and rigorous investigations; prepare reports which are fit for purpose and which will stand scrutiny by deciding officers, Appeals boards, and ETs; and debrief stakeholders appropriately.

About the course

This is an intensive training course. There’s pre learning, classroom learning, and an assessed report. It covers interpersonal skills, processes, and legislation. It’s endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management so you don’t automatically ‘pass’, but have to show competency in all learning outcomes. It is delivered by one of the UK’s experts, Tim Kingsbury, CMP Head of Investigation. He is a fully qualified, highly experienced investigator, a former officer in the Royal Navy and a qualified barrister. On average delegates rate this training at 5.5 out of a possible 6 – a real endorsement of quality – and leave us comments like “Very relevant to my role at work. Informative, practical guidance” HR Advisor, Charity

What you learn

This programme provides blended learning to minimise office down-time:

  • E-learning prior to the classroom learning. This covers current employment law; preparing an investigation; investigator knowledge and values; working to policies and procedures; potential pitfalls for investigators. 
  • 3 sequential days of classroom learning covering planning an investigation; conducting interviews using effective interview skills; managing the sensitive issues of diversity and equality allegations; evidence gathering; note-taking; preparing records of interview; evidence analysis; good judgement; and report-writing.

You will learn how to:

  • Understand and can apply relevant legislation, policies and procedures
  • Respect diversity in all its forms, and can work to principles of fair treatment
  • Communicate effectively about the process,
  • Build and sustain rapport with a variety of users and stakeholders, treating all parties involved with dignity and respect
  • Use facilitation skills and remain impartial
  • Use written language that is appropriate and aids ease of comprehension
  • Undertake all necessary preparation for any type of workplace investigation
  • Understand the importance of conducting each case to a consistently high standard of professional practice
  • Identify, interview and gain information from appropriate parties
  • Understand how to maintain effective control of the process
  • Understand how to manage the process in a confidential and non-judgemental manner
  • Process information accurately
  • Analyse available information objectively and identify key issues
  • Assimilate large amounts of information to draw sound, unbiased conclusions
  • Provide a written report including clear and concise relevant information extracted from a variety of sources as is applicable
  • Understand how to manage additional responsibilities once the investigation is completed

Download the full course programme, and information about your learning experience