When Investigating May Not Be the Right Answer
This thought-provoking session will explore the unintended consequences of rigid investigative policies and processes on effective decision-making. While investigations are designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and accountability, overly complex or inflexible approaches can delay action, obscure professional judgement, and inadvertently cause harm.
During this webinar, our speakers will discuss:
- The unintended harm of rigid investigative processes
- The balance between compliance and professional judgement
- Proportionality, risk aversion, and the tendency to over-investigate
- The impact of investigations on trust, organisational culture, and psychological safety
- Practical alternatives that focus on learning, resolution, accountability, and better decisions
This session is ideal for:
- Corporate investigators
- HR professionals
- Compliance and ethics practitioners
- Legal professionals
- Risk and governance specialists
- Leaders responsible for workplace culture and decision-making
Rather than asking whether an investigation can be conducted, this webinar challenges us to consider whether it should be conducted, and what better outcomes might be achieved through a more balanced and human-centred approach.
Panel
Andrew Cooper is Head of Programmes for Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales and Development Director for the Healthcare People Management Association’s (HPMA) ‘Avoiding Harm’ programme in the UK.
He holds an honorary research role with the University of Plymouth and is leading a programme of research exploring the impact of the disciplinary process on individuals and organisations. He is also lead editor on ‘Under Investigation: Transforming Disciplinary Practice in the Workplace’, published by Bristol University Press.
With a background in healthcare improvement and innovation, he has held senior communications roles across the private, public and voluntary sectors and is Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations for his contribution to healthcare communications.