Investigations
Knowledge, the saying goes, is power. But many organisations respond to events without knowing what really happened. Responding without understanding, however, leads to implementing pet “solutions” which often don’t address the underlying issues. The result can be going round and round without addressing the real issues well enough to move forward.
​
Sometimes it just takes time to get to the bottom of an incident. Without a clear understanding of the facts as a starting point, you cannot be certain that any subsequent action will solve the problem.
Investigations in practice
​
I have led many investigations, big and small. They range from the investigation of HR issues which were completed in a matter of days, to in-depth investigations of complex issues which have had national implications. What they have in common is my track record of getting to the real issues and writing clear reports which set out the facts and analysis and present a cogent way forward.
​
Amongst the most complex investigations that I have led was that into a nurse in the NHS who took his own life following a flawed HR process. This led to a report that, according to the Chief Executive “generated a huge amount of learning for the Trust”. The report also created a significant amount of media interest and prompted the chair of NHS Improvement to write to all NHS trusts to draw the lessons from the case to their attention.
Good investigation must begin with a clear idea of what the commissioner is aiming to get out of the process: internal learning, disciplinary action or publication. Then evidence must be collected - I am particularly skilled in conducting interviews to ensure that they elicit the maximum amount of evidence. Findings need to be evidenced and set out in a clear way, an area in which I have particular expertise.
The cases that I have investigated have often been sensitive. For example, I led an investigation for the Green Party into actions taken by one of the members who was a national spokesperson. You can read more about the investigation here. The report was used as an input into the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse and was referred to in their report on institutional responses to sexual abuse allegations.
I also led an investigation into concerns at an NHS body which faced serious governance challenges. The report highlighted many shortcomings and identified ways of addressing the issues. The report made its way to the desk of the then chief executive of the NHS, who asked for it to be published so that the lessons could be fully disseminated.
​