As a global community of investigation practitioners, ACi believes that the following Principles are integral to conducting effective corporate investigations. Investigations should be:-
1. Compliant
With law, policy, procedure; aligns with organisational policies.
2. Confidential
Demonstrates the “Need to Know” rule; protects information about the reporter, witnesses, subjects, and the investigation.
3. Fair
Impartiality/without bias/procedural fairness (including timeliness): no determination of guilt or innocence.
4. Independent
Free from conflicts of interest/influence; ensuring investigations only instigated for just/ethical reasons; no self-serving interest; free from undue influence.
5. Ethical
Honesty; consistent and uncompromising adherence to ethical and moral principles.
6. Objective
Evidence-led; guided by the facts; sound judgement.
7. Professional
Investigations conducted and managed by those with the right expertise – Professional, Trained/Qualified and appropriately supervised; follows a methodical and planned process.
8. Proportionate
Resourcing and decisions commensurate with size/severity/complexity of task;
minimum level of intrusion/disruption; pursuing relevant lines of enquiry, in a timely manner.
9. Protective
Ensuring your actions do not cause injury or injustice to others; respecting dignity of all parties; protection from retaliation; in certain contexts, in line with the ‘Do No Harm’ principle.
10. Transparent
Documenting steps and decisions to show where the facts came from;
accountability for any mistakes; no omission of material information; will
raise ethical concerns; any ethical concerns are raised; updating parties as appropriate.
