Investigations Follow-Up

Purpose

This three-day workshop aims to strengthen and hone participants’ skills in planning and conducting fair, thorough and confidential investigations into complaints of staff misconduct, with a focus on allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of affected populations.

Who should attend?

Mid-level and senior staff who are, or may be, designated to investigate allegations of misconduct by staff of the organisation.

Please note that participation in this workshop is open only to those who have completed the Investigations Workshop. A minimum gap of six months is required between completing the Investigations Workshop and undertaking the Investigations Follow-Up, to allow for reflection and consolidation of the learning through experience.

Course content

The course covers the following topics:

• Strategies for dealing with the challenges of conducting an investigation;
• Identification of possible breaches of codes of conduct arising from an allegation;
• Elements needed to prove or disprove that allegation;
• Interviewing techniques for complainants, subjects of complaint and witnesses;
• Assessment of information gathered during an investigation;
• Selection of evidence proving or disproving the allegation;
• Reporting findings and making recommendations.

The second day of the course is a full-day simulation exercise of the interviewing stage of an investigation. Actors represent the complainant, subject of complaint and witnesses.

Pre-workshop assignments and background reading

The investigations workshop has three mandatory pre-workshop assignments. These introduce the case study which is used throughout the workshop. Participants are also required to re-read the key documents relating to investigations prior to joining the course.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will have an in-depth understanding of the following:

• Planning an investigation;
• Conducting interviews;
• Critical assessment of the evidence gathered;
• Reporting on the findings and making recommendations;
• Closing the investigation.

Course fees

The course fee includes facilitation, course materials, lunch and refreshments during the days of the course, and a course completion certificate. The course fee does not include the cost of overnight accommodation or travel to and from the training venue.

*A small agency is one with an annual expenditure of less than 5 million Swiss francs.

Programme guide

Day 1: Challenges of an investigation; Investigation planning; Interview procedures; Interview planning.

Day 2: Full day’s simulation exercise of the interviewing stage of an investigation, using a complex case study. Actors play the parts of the complainant, subject of complaint and the witnesses.

Day 3: Review of investigation and interview plans; Investigation report writing; Investigation findings; Self-evaluation & organisational development; Quiz.

Note: The programme includes evening sessions on days 1 & 2.