Workplace Investigations
When serious workplace issues arise, such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, or misconduct, the way you respond can make or break trust, morale and compliance. At Brookvale HR Solutions, our Brisbane-based HR consultants conduct independent, Fair Work-compliant workplace investigations as part of our broader HR services for businesses of all sizes across Australia, from small teams to large enterprises.
Our experienced HR consultants ensure the process is confidential, impartial and procedurally fair, giving you the confidence that every step is handled correctly and legally.
Every investigation is designed around Australian workplace laws, Fair Work requirements and WHS obligations. We follow clear, documented procedures so you can demonstrate a fair, consistent and legally defensible process if your decisions are ever questioned.
We understand investigations are stressful and highly sensitive for everyone involved. We manage communication carefully, protect privacy wherever possible and take a calm, respectful approach so people feel heard and supported throughout the process.
Our reports clearly set out the allegations, methodology, evidence considered and findings for each point. Conclusions are based on facts and documents, not assumptions or opinions, and we include practical recommendations to guide your next steps and reduce future risk.
As an external HR consultancy, we’re not influenced by internal politics or pre-existing relationships. We operate as a genuinely unbiased third party, which helps build trust in the process and reassures everyone that the outcome is based on the evidence.
From our base in Brisbane we support clients across Australia, using video interviews and secure online tools to run investigations efficiently. Where needed, we can also attend on site for key meetings or interviews to ensure a thorough, high-quality process.
Every workplace is different, but the types of matters we investigate are often similar. We regularly conduct investigations into:
Bullying, harassment and discrimination complaints
Allegations of inappropriate behaviour or misconduct
Concerns about victimisation or retaliation after a complaint
Breaches of policies, procedures or codes of conduct
Conflicts between employees or within teams
Allegations involving health and safety obligations or risk to wellbeing
Whether the issue involves one person, multiple staff or senior leaders, we focus on the facts, the evidence and the applicable policies so that you can make informed, defensible decisions.
Our Process
We review the complaint, clarify the scope of the investigation and identify relevant policies, procedures and legislation. This includes agreeing on key questions to be answered, who will be interviewed and any immediate risks that need to be managed.
We gather information through interviews with complainants, respondents and witnesses, as well as reviewing documents, emails and other relevant records. Throughout this stage we focus on open, neutral questioning and accurate note-taking so the evidence is reliable.
We assess all evidence against your policies, code of conduct and applicable workplace laws to determine what is substantiated, not substantiated or inconclusive. Our focus is on what can be reasonably established, not assumptions or opinions.
You receive a clear, structured report outlining the allegations, methodology, evidence considered and findings for each allegation. We also include practical recommendations and risk mitigation strategies so you can decide on next steps with confidence.
Guidance on implementing recommendations and managing next steps, including communication with staff, documentation and follow-up actions. Leadership coaching helps managers handle tough conversations with confidence, while our HR Products & Support Packages offer ongoing outsourced HR support to embed any changes over time.
Where relationships remain strained after an investigation, mediation and conflict resolution support can help repair working relationships and rebuild trust.
A workplace investigation is stressful for everyone involved, so we keep the process as clear and predictable as possible. When you engage us, you can expect:
Clear communication from the start – we explain the scope, process and timelines in plain language so you know what will happen and when.
Respectful contact with all parties – we treat complainants, respondents and witnesses with professionalism and care, understanding the impact an investigation can have on individuals.
Thorough documentation – we keep accurate records of interviews, evidence and findings, helping you demonstrate that a fair and reasonable process was followed.
Practical recommendations – our reports don’t just summarise what happened; they also include clear, realistic next steps to reduce risk and support your culture going forward.
Together, this gives you an investigation process that is fair, transparent and manageable, even when the issues themselves are complex or uncomfortable.
We can also support you with ongoing employee and performance management after an investigation, to help you address any continuing behaviour or performance issues in a fair and structured way.
If you have general questions about investigations or Fair Work processes, you can also visit our FAQ for quick answers to common HR questions.
Book a free HR Strategy Call with an experienced HR consultant to discuss your workplace investigation needs.
