Academic institutions are under greater scrutiny than ever before. There has been a marked increase in the launching of internal investigations, either caused by external complaints or by institutions uncovering potential wrongdoing. Key factors in this include increased regulation, a greater focus on compliance and the amplifying power of all forms of media, including high-profile social media campaigns such as Everyone's Invited and #MeToo.
A number of scenarios could arise where you are required to conduct an internal investigation, including parental complaints, incidents involving pupils and/or employees, or employee grievances. In these situations, how can an institution leader ensure that the investigation is conducted according to best practices?
Preparedness
Allegations of serious potential wrongdoing are likely to be complex and may require difficult decisions to be made, often at speed and under pressure. Advance preparation by way of planning, allocation of responsibilities, effective training and clear, consistent policies will ensure the school can respond appropriately to a reported incident.
Triage the issue