Investigations

3PB's specialist employment barristers are frequently appointed to conduct complaint and grievance investigations, often examining serious matters such as allegations of discrimination, harassment or victimisation (involving any one of the protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010) or allegations such as whistleblowing or bullying. Members are also available to conduct disciplinary investigations and / or appeals.

Recent investigations include:

• Multiple workplace investigations into grievances which include allegations of discrimination
• Assisting with internal investigations for solicitors’ firms (involving allegations of sex discrimination and harassment)
• Investigations as part of disciplinary hearings and grievances in cases involving disabilities or suspected disabilities, especially those involving mental health
• Multiple investigations on behalf of various regional NHS Health Boards and local fire services into allegations of race discrimination
• Investigations for sporting bodies into allegations of bullying and sexual misconduct against national coaches and performance managers
• Independent reviews of earlier investigations for UK PLC’s and sporting bodies, particularly into allegations of past bullying and ill-treatment
• Workplace investigations for employers following whistleblowing allegations
• Independent investigations of senior executives, allowing solicitors to give legally privileged advice to Boards of our Investigation Reports
• Provision of investigation training and disciplinary hearings management for various organisations within the Healthcare Sector.

Our barristers assist by:

• Acting as independent investigators to conduct the investigation process, interviewing the key protagonists and witnesses and preparing an evidence based investigation report, drawing on our legal and professional backgrounds, extensive experience and expert knowledge of education-specific legislation and guidance, including recommendations.
• Advising organisations on the investigation process, including legal obligations, managing risk and any media statements, recommending next steps (which may involve disciplinary proceedings and dismissals) and reviewing lessons learnt.
• Advising individuals against whom a complaint has been raised on the investigation process, position statements, risk and strategic approach.
• Advising individual complainants on the investigation process and next steps.