When should I call in a third-party?

If you feel that no-one in the HR team (or wider management team) is independent to both parties, has the necessary experience or expertise to carry out a thorough and complete investigation, it may be appropriate to request the services of a third-party organisation to carry out the investigation on your behalf.

Investigations can be time-consuming, emotive and divisive. Engaging an independent third-party investigator can allow internal teams to continue with business as usual.

A third party can offer impartiality, confidentiality and provide independent and practical recommendations on resolving the issue.