OUR SERVICES
Note: We offer our services online using Zoom unless otherwise specified at the time of booking. We provide services across Canada.
At its core, an investigation is a fact-finding process to determine whether a workplace event took place. Most often, investigations begin with an internal complaint.
Types of complaints
Complaints may allege inappropriate behaviour such as potential human rights violations, breaches of ethics, and/or code of conduct violations.
The allegation details may be limited to a single event involving inappropriate words or conduct, make reference to multiple people and events, or allege systemic workplace issues.
Investigators are focused on collecting the relevant facts before turning to consider the meaning of those facts. Separating what is relevant from irrelevant is not necessarily a straightforward process.
The investigation process includes reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, examining and weighing all the evidence and report writing.
The specific steps of that process are guided by applicable legislation and regulations, an institution's existing harassment and discrimination policies, codes of ethics, and other applicable policies.
We are committed to ensuring a fair process throughout every step in the investigation.
Before we begin the investigation, we will confirm the terms of our retainer and the most appropriate fee arrangement.
Step 1: We will review the complaint and any documents, policies, or other relevant material forwarded to us. At this stage, potential witnesses will be identified.
Step 2: We will interview the person or persons who made the complaint, the person or people named responsible, and any witnesses. We will request and review additional relevant documents and interview other witnesses as necessary throughout this stage of the process.
Step 3: We will prepare a report explaining our process and our findings, based on the evidence gathered from interviews and from documents provided to us.
Mediators are neutral third parties who facilitate discussions in an informal setting, to help find solutions to conflicts.
Mediators do not impose a decision or outcome on participants. They are there to assist the parties to resolve a dispute without recourse to more formal and costly options.
Whether it is a legal issue that needs to be resolved, or there is a seemingly entrenched interpersonal conflict, mediation offers an opportunity to have difficult conversations in a safe environment.
Mediation also offers the participants the opportunity to better understand the interests motivating the conflict and may lead to a mutually beneficial solution.