During August we posted daily tips on investigations on our website, facebook and twitter. Here is the complete list of those tips.
31 Days 31 Tips
Tip 1 – Silence is an interviewer’s best friend
Tip 2 – Don’t assume anything
Tip 3 – If in doubt ask
Tip 4 – Consider each case on its merits
Tip 5 – Be warm and neutral
Tip 6 – Respect cultural difference
Tip 7 – Start your questions with “tell me what….”
Tip 8 – Know the purpose of your investigation
Tip 9 – Draft a terms of reference
Tip 10 – Make a written investigation plan and update it as you go
Tip 11 – Credibility is only an issue when the facts aren’t clear
Tip 12 – Get specifics from complainants
Tip 13 – Include time, date , place in allegations
Tip 14 – Everyone has a right to silence in regard to criminal conduct
Tip 15 – Invite witnesses to bring a support person
Tip 16 – Keep complainants and respondents informed during the investigation
Tip 17 – Ensure the chain of evidence for digital data
Tip 18 – Digital data can be manipulated
Tip 19 – Second hand accounts can be used but are less reliable than fist hand accounts
Tip 20 – Give respondents enough time to respond
Tip 21 – Give respondents enough information to respond
Tip 22 – Verify signature on documents if you going to rely on them
Tip 23 – Provide support services for all parties to an investigation
Tip 24 – Avoid advocating for either side before the investigation is complete
Tip 25 – Don’t comment on the outcome until the report is approved
Tip 26 – Move the respondent not the complainant
Tip 27 – Ask witnesses to sign all notes/statements or records of interviews
Tip 28 – Only suspend a person during an investigation where serious misconduct is likely to have occurred
Tip 29 – Know your policy and process before you start
Tip 30 – Don’t promise confidentiality if you can’t guarantee it
Tip 31 – Decide who will get a copy of your report before you write it.
