Independent Investigations

Appointing an independent investigator can reassure everyone involved that issues are being addressed fairly and impartially. Independent investigations can help to resolve matters before they escalate into legal proceedings.

The expertise and experience of our solicitors make them well suited to the role of investigator.  They can also provide guidance on data protection matters and privilege should they arise during an investigation.

Investigations expertise

We are qualified legal professionals acting under a code of conduct. Our investigations group has extensive experience of undertaking investigations in a number of areas including employment, education, regulatory and data protection.

Tailored investigation service

Our investigations are designed to your needs, ranging from sensitive investigations with public interest or wider implications (such as potential criminal proceedings) carried out by a partner supported by a wider team or smaller-scale investigations that can be carried out by a more junior solicitor.

Examples of some of our recent investigations include:

• An alleged sexual assault by a senior member of staff against a junior member
• A collective grievance raised by all eight members of a long-standing senior leadership team against a newly appointed Chief Executive Officer
• A complaint of race harassment based on alleged incidents over an extended period of time, involving a significant number of potential witnesses and with young people being part of the factual background (with additional considerations of safeguarding and confidentiality)

Meet the team

Christopher Sing, Partner & National Head of Schools and Colleges

Having previously trained as a barrister before cross-qualifying as a solicitor, Christopher specialises in complex and sensitive employment disputes.

Christopher has led on many sensitive and complex investigations and recognises the importance of being personable and friendly in his approach to witness interviews.  He consciously works beyond simply finding facts and, instead, seeks to identify the likely cause of disputes and, wherever possible, will recommend actions to resolve underlying issues.

Matt McBride, Partner

Matt has over twenty years’ experience of advising clients in the public and private sector on all areas of employment law.  During this time, he has been engaged on a number of occasions to act as an independent investigator on complex issues for organisations including for a multi-academy trust and a local authority.

David Potter, Partner

David has over 30 years of experience as an employment lawyer. He has acted as an independent investigator for both private and public sector employers. These have included highly sensitive and complex investigations involving allegations of serious disciplinary offences and discrimination. He has also acted as an independent investigator in relation to whistle-blowing complaints.

In addition, he has experience of acting as an independent legal adviser to Investigating and Disciplinary Committees set up by Local Authorities to deal with disciplinary investigations relating to Chief Executives, Monitoring Officers and s.151 Officers.

Toni Hudson, Senior Associate

Toni has over 10 years’ experience specialising in employment law. She was recently ranked as an “Associate to Watch” by Chambers & Partners in the 2022 and 2023 edit on account of client feedback.

She has experience in acting as an independent investigator for an educational sector client. The investigation related to a complaint of racial abuse towards a minor, raised by a family member against two teachers.

The investigation involved 11 witnesses and was particularly sensitive given parallel investigations held by the police and the LADO.

For more information, please contact one of our lawyers above.