The Introduction to workplace investigator skills workshop is a practical one-day online workshop for potential investigators who would like an insight into what conducting an investigation entails. It includes the legal and procedural framework, an opportunity to practice the skills in a role-play situation, and to discuss any concerns or queries.
Our Introduction to workplace investigator skills workshop is designed for those who want a clear understanding of what conducting an investigation entails. This workshop is tailored for the HE sector and covers the investigation process, and the required skills needed for potential investigators.
This practical workshop takes you from the point where HR has selected you as an investigator and pre-investigation work is complete, right through to handing over your written report to HR. It covers the basic principles and skills needed, with opportunities to practise them, and may be useful as a refresher for those who have previously conducted investigations or as an introduction for new investigators. It is not a certificated training course, nor is it suitable for more complex investigations, those requiring a trauma-based approach, or cases involving sexual misconduct or violence. It also does not cover setting up panels or the hearing process.
The session is led by a trainer who specialises in employee relations, dispute resolution, mediation, grievance investigation, and training in behaviour and communication, with experience of handling over 300 complex cases and training more than 200 individuals.
Why attend?
This interactive and practical online course includes the legal and procedural framework and offers a mix of small group work, plenary discussions, hands-on exercises, short videos, and skills practice.
Who is this for?
It will be helpful as a refresher for those who have conducted investigations in the past and would like a recap on the basic processes and skills, as well as those who are new investigators. It is a great chance to learn while connecting with fellow participants to share experiences and insights.
Important pre-course information
If you have any queries about the workshop or to register your interest in attending future dates please contact events@ucea.ac.uk.
This workshop is also available to run in-house at your own institution. If you are interested in learning more about our in-house provision please email events@ucea.ac.uk for further information.
Read the Terms and conditions of booking
- When and where: Wednesday 1 October 2025, online on Microsoft Teams
- Times: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
- Register here: Book your place
- Limited Attendance: Maximum of 12 participants
- For fuller details see the indicative timed programme.
Programme
Event overview
What to expect?Our Introduction to workplace investigator skills workshop is designed for those who want a clear understanding of what conducting an investigation entails. This workshop is tailored for the HE sector and covers the investigation process, and the required skills needed for potential investigators.
This practical workshop takes you from the point where HR has selected you as an investigator and pre-investigation work is complete, right through to handing over your written report to HR. It covers the basic principles and skills needed, with opportunities to practise them, and may be useful as a refresher for those who have previously conducted investigations or as an introduction for new investigators. It is not a certificated training course, nor is it suitable for more complex investigations, those requiring a trauma-based approach, or cases involving sexual misconduct or violence. It also does not cover setting up panels or the hearing process.
The session is led by a trainer who specialises in employee relations, dispute resolution, mediation, grievance investigation, and training in behaviour and communication, with experience of handling over 300 complex cases and training more than 200 individuals.
Why attend?
This interactive and practical online course includes the legal and procedural framework and offers a mix of small group work, plenary discussions, hands-on exercises, short videos, and skills practice.
- Comprehensive overview: become familiar with how workplace investigations fit within the broader disciplinary and grievance framework, including Dignity at Work, ED&I, and other workplace issues.
- Practical skill-building: understand what constitutes an effective and rigorous investigation. Learn and practise core skills such as gathering evidence, analysing and assessing information, and conducting a fair and impartial investigation.
- Confidence in decision-making: discover the principles of making sound, proportionate, and unbiased judgements.
- Effective reporting: appreciate what constitutes a good report.
Who is this for?
It will be helpful as a refresher for those who have conducted investigations in the past and would like a recap on the basic processes and skills, as well as those who are new investigators. It is a great chance to learn while connecting with fellow participants to share experiences and insights.
Important pre-course information
- Pre-reading: you will need 60–90 minutes to familiarise yourself with the delegate pack and to review your organisation’s grievance, disciplinary, and Dignity at Work/ED&I policies.
- Delegate pack: about 10 days before the course, you will receive a pack with helpful resources, like tips on structuring interviews, questioning techniques, effective report writing, and note taking.
Attendance fee
Early-bird price for UCEA members: £425 (VAT free) per place until Wednesday 10 September.Full price for UCEA members: £449 (VAT free) per place after Wednesday 10 September.
Non-UCEA members: please email events@ucea.ac.uk for pricing information.
For the benefit of attendees, we are limiting attendance to a maximum of 12 attendees.
Follow this link to book places
If you have any queries about the workshop or to register your interest in attending future dates please contact events@ucea.ac.uk.
This workshop is also available to run in-house at your own institution. If you are interested in learning more about our in-house provision please email events@ucea.ac.uk for further information.
Read the Terms and conditions of booking
