Internal Investigations

Doyle Clayton's education experts provide investigation training tailored specifically to academics who find themselves conducting internal investigations for academic appeals and student complaints. Our specialist programmes help to relieve pressure on academics responsible for these processes and empower them to engage in the process.

With increased Higher Education payments unavoidably comes an increased scrutiny and expectation from Students (and parents). This goes hand in glove with an increase in complaints relating to academic, and non-academic matters.

Most Higher Education providers have in place carefully thought-out processes, often grounded in historical legislation or long-held internal statutes, which have been the subject of much attention to detail (and often Union input) in drafting.

One element that is seen in most thought our processes, both in respect of academic appeals and non-academic complaints, is the need for a carefully conducted, independent investigation. This stage of a process is critical in identifying the issues at hand, but is also often the first occasion on which a student has the opportunity to have their concerns heard. It is an opportunity to hear more about the concerns, but also can be instrumental in rebuilding relationships and avoiding matters escalating, if conducted fairly, logically, and with empathy towards the complainant.

It is, however, a laborious process, and often, Higher Education providers will seek to utilise academic staff and/or staff unused to running such processes, to obtain an independent perspective. This can place a huge amount of pressure on those individuals asked to assist, who may end up needing to give witness evidence on the investigation process. It can also mean that it takes them away from their important academic work. As such, there can be a real resistance to undertaking the role of an investigator, or, if having to undertake the role, seeking to minimise the work involved, and get the matter wrapped up as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this can lead to outcomes which cannot be substantiated, and a heightened risk of appeal or further action, such as litigation.

This is where we can assist.

Our highly experienced investigation team work closely with academics in a number of capacities (including in academic collaboration and providing personal legal advice), and can offer training tailored to academic professionals to assist with engagement and success in running investigation processes.

Our investigation training will include:

• How to use academic techniques and principles to maximise investigations output in these unfamiliar circumstances.
• An understanding of the importance of the investigation process reflecting the correct level of scrutiny being applied to accepted facts, and that a fair and full process has been followed.
• Tips for gathering evidence efficiently and conducting witness interviews sensitively.
• A guide to producing a comprehensive investigation report, setting out the scope of the investigation, methodology, findings, conclusion and recommendations.
• An explanation of common pitfalls in the investigation process, and how to avoid them.

In delivering this training, your institution can instruct us directly or we can work with – albeit independently of – your existing external lawyers to provide training in a cost-effective way.

Our Investigation Training Programmes

We offer three packages for preparing investigators, recognising that investigations come in many shapes and sizes and that the needs of investigators will vary.

1) An Introduction to Investigations

Single use licence for our pre-recorded masterclass which will cover preparing for, conducting, and concluding an investigation in the Higher Education setting. Choose from academic appeal and non-academic complaint options.

2) Half-Day Support and Preparations Programme

A half-day live session with one of our specialist team who will present an interactive session for up to six individuals. The session will include:

• Preparation

• Gathering evidence

• Methods for gathering and communicating conclusions.

• A Q&A session of at least 30 minutes, in which investigators in training can raise specific concerns about the investigations they have been asked to undertake.

Online or in person. Additional travel cost may apply for in person programmes.

3) Full-Day Tailored Session

A full day of live training with one of our specialist team, who will present an interactive session for up to four individuals. This will include:

• Particularly thorny elements of the specific investigation which investigators in training are preparing for, including discrimination, freedom of speech or protected beliefs. This can be tailored in advance of the session.

• A Q&A session

• A practical workshop on preparing lists of questions for interviewees, tailored to the specific investigation investigators in training are being instructed to undertake.

Online or in person. Additional travel cost may apply for in person programmes.

Contact our education experts online or call +44 (0)20 7329 9090.