Independent Investigators - HR

Independent Investigators - HR

Freelance

£50 - £60 per hour

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: 14th April 2024

Employment is a constantly evolving area of law, so expecting inexperienced and busy in-house managers to handle complex investigations can result in an unhappy workforce and even costly employment tribunals.

We are looking to create a team of independent and professional investigators who will undertake workplace investigations in public sector organisations. You will need to be able to understand and interpret HR policies and best practice to make informed, risk-based recommendations and decisions.

You will undertake investigations for all matters relating to the workplace such as disciplinary, grievance, bullying and harassment and whistleblowing plus any other matters which may involve an investigation. Ensuring they are dealt with in a professional, timely and appropriate manner.

You will receive and analyse information often of a highly confidential and sometimes distressing nature and expected to attend Hearings and/or appeals to present cases to a panel with the support from an HR professional.

Person Specification

• Knowledge of ACAS codes of good practice, and local government terms and conditions of employment
• Understanding of HR Policies, and employment law and good practice in managing employee relations matters
• Sound experience of undertaking investigations and making recommendations e.g., disciplinary, grievance, bullying and harassment case work.
• Experience of presenting cases at hearing/appeal stages.
• Experience of using analytical skills to understand a situation and the impact or the actions of those involved.
• Knowledge of best practice relating to investigation and questioning skills.
• Experience of using compassionate and open questioning techniques to ensure the colleague voice is heard.

• Demonstrate a range of skills in relation to influencing, negotiation analytical and problem solving.
• Ability to work flexibly, manage, organise and prioritise own workload and complete investigations in timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills appropriate for a wide range of audiences including trade unions.
• Ability to deal with complex, contentious, high profile and confidential issues.
• Able to use own initiative, act independently and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Able to establish and maintain credibility with managers and staff through knowledge and confidence.
• Commitment to equality and diversity.
• Undertaken training in relation to conducting investigations.
• Previous experience of participating in Employment Tribunals.

Qualifications and Training

• Knowledge of specialist HR topics to master's level. This may be acquired via qualification or through equivalent experience managing employee relations issues or other relevant area.

You may hold an accreditation and certification in:

• Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board, Accreditation in Counter Fraud Management
• Counter Fraud Professional Accreditation Board, Accreditation in Counter Fraud Investigations
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, Certification in Investigative Practice
• Qualified Mediation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.