Code of Practice

FirstCall HR is committed to high standards and no less so in relation to our Code of Practice. Our code is framed with the concepts of Independence, Professionalism and Confidentiality at its core.

Natural Justice

We seek to ensure that the natural legal rights of all involved in our investigative processes are upheld at all times. These include:

• The right of the accused to be fully informed of the allegations against him/her.
• The right of both parties to seek legal advice and representation.
• The right of both parties to call witnesses to support their arguments.
• The duty of the investigator to be independent and impartial.
• The duty of the investigator to declare any conflicts of interests that may introduce an element of bias, or the appearance of bias, into the recommendations.

Efficiency

FirstCall HR is committed to ensuring that investigations are conducted at the lowest cost to the company in terms of time, money, productivity and working environment. This involves encouraging the parties to be forthcoming with their grievances, evidence and rebuttals in a timely manner, but not a hurried manner.

If any party feels that the investigation is hurried, they may not feel that they have adequately conveyed their point of view.

Similarly, it is sometimes the case that parties need a ‘cooling off period’ in order to come to the process in a prepared manner. Although this involves some more time, we operate on a day-by-day basis. If it is necessary to let the situation settle for a period, our fees will be suspended until the parties are ready to re-engage with the investigation.

Diffusing Tension

Our professional duty is to recognise and diffuse tension where we see it. Our services revolve around ensuring that the conflict does not escalate, and positions are not entrenched, once the process has begun.

Record-Keeping

We spare no effort in keeping a full account of proceedings from start to finish. This relates not only to the details we receive from the parties but to monitoring every interaction with the parties. This includes noting the times of all conversations either by phone or in person, and indeed, all attempts, successful or otherwise, to contact the parties. All of this ensures that the fullest picture of the process is available for review upon completion.

In relation to interviews and other formal evidence gathering procedures, it is possible to hire a stenographer to further reassure the parties that an impartial account of proceedings will be kept. The main reason why a written account is kept of the proceedings is to assist the parties if they wish to appeal any decision based on the investigators recommendation decision at a later stage.

We do not believe that the use of dictaphones is conducive to accurate fact-finding.