During the process of conducting workplace investigations, it is generally necessary to prepare letters of notification, and later, letters of allegation.
We take a look at the difference between the two, and provide some tips on how to prepare these important documents.
The letter of notification serves as confirmation that an investigation is going to be launched. These formal documents are sent to the respondent, the complainant and any witnesses involved in the investigation.
It communicates how the process of the investigation will occur, who will be conducting it, as well as detailing the involvement required from the individuals.
For the complainant, this will generally mean the formalisation of their complaint and participation in an interview. A respondent will also need to undergo a formal interview and be advised of their rights, such as having a support person attend.
A letter of notification should ideally be prepared and sent as soon as an investigation plan has been finalised.
When writing a letter of notification, it is important that it contains specific details including:
Although similar to a letter of notification, a letter of allegation contains more detailed information. Instead of being addressed to all the parties involved, only the respondent will receive a letter of allegation.
The letter should clearly set out:
A letter of allegation should be sent after the complainant has been formally interviewed. This means that detailed allegations can be put to the respondent.
When preparing a letter of allegations, it is important that procedural fairness is maintained. The respondent should have only clear allegations put to them, supported with evidence where available of the conduct or behaviour alleged.
The letter of allegation should avoid making any conclusions about the investigation.
Importantly, it should also demonstrate that the investigators and decisions-makers involved are objective.
Communication with the parties to a workplace investigation is critical in ensuring a fair and considered approach is taken. Failing to comply with the steps of procedural fairness can impact on the soundness of investigation outcomes, findings and recommendations and leave employers open to decisions being overturned.
WISE Workplace provides training in investigating workplace misconduct. This training is aimed at providing practical skills that enable you to draft procedurally fair and legally compliant letters of notification and allegations.
WISE Workplace is a multidisciplinary organisation specialising in the investigation of workplace behaviour. We investigate matters of corporate and professional misconduct, resolve conflict through mediation and minimise the impact of inappropriate behaviour through our whistleblower services.
© 2019 Created by Jo Knox.
Powered by
You need to be a member of HR Daily Community to add comments!
Join HR Daily Community