Conducting Internal Investigations
About the Course
Internal investigations into wrongdoing can be disruptive and time-consuming, possibly also leading to legal problems and other complications if they are not conducted with the utmost diligence and confidentiality. A well-run internal investigation can enhance a company’s overall well-being and help detect the source of lost funds, identify responsible parties and recover losses. It can also provide a defense to legal charges by terminated or disgruntled employees. Professionals who are required to conduct internal investigations may face situations where the information obtained may be vital evidence in later proceedings. Failure to conduct any of mandatory steps properly may result in evidence being inadmissible, unreliable or without weight. It may adversely affect the fairness of any subsequent actions, including legal proceedings and hearing. And most important, an internal investigation will signal to other employees that the company will not tolerate misconduct.
Training pillars
Leading and executing an internal investigation
Understanding the importance of trust and confidentiality
Mapping legal aspects of internal investigations.
Collecting and analyzing internal and external information.
Different types of evidence: oral, documentary, real and hearsay
Collection of evidence and continuity of exhibits assurance
Distinguishing between facts, assumptions, and opinions
Analysis and evaluation of evidence
Record-keeping and note-taking best practice
Handling disclosure and implementing corrective measures
Getting key skills to interview witnesses, obtain witness statements and interview suspects effectively.
Planning and preparing for different types of interviews (dealing with suspects and non-suspects)
Questioning techniques, how and when to use them
Structuring and dealing effectively with interviews (silences and selective answering)
Recognising the impact of disclosing evidence before and during the interview
Addressing inconsistencies in statements given by the interviewee and with other available evidence
Balancing the investigator’s powers with the individual’s rights
Fact-finding, witness and suspect interviews and questioning technique
Writing reports and creating a case file for future reference
Building awareness, and launch of internal communication
Introducing corrective measures and require controls improvement
Goals
This course is for experienced managers and other senior staff who are called upon to conduct internal investigations. At the end of the course, participants will be able to conduct interviews for investigative purposes; identify, document, and collect relevant evidence, and present the results of the investigation in a clear and objective manner. The aim is not only to learn how to carry out an investigation, but also understand how to develop the soft skills needed to effectively communicate through the process and its results.
Benefits
Caring out a robust, fair investigation and in result providing a comprehensive report is an uncommon experience among compliance professionals. However, conducting effective internal investigations is crucial to ensure compliance with the many regulations, and to meet other obligations today’s organizations (which aim to build their brands based on integrity principles) are facing . The ultimate course goal is to present an internal investigation perspective and its importance to a successful workplace.
Real life cases
The course includes real-life examples of internal investigations which examined wrongdoing practices revealed within various industries and businesses. The goal is to guide participants through most common scenarios where malpractices emerge in moden organisations. The course is dedicated for experienced practitioners and ones who wish to build up their expertise in this area. The first group will get an opportunity to reflect on adopted procedures based on current best practice, while the second group will gain practical knowledge in conducting internal investigations.
Training recipients
Compliance Officers
In house Lawyers
HR Experts
Internal Finance Professionals
Auditors
Schedule
On Demand