The situation
A complaint was made by one employee against another, alleging harassment. The owner was too close to both people to investigate it credibly.
Why it was difficult
An investigation seen as biased is worse than none at all. The owner needed genuine independence to reach a conclusion both sides, and a tribunal, would accept as fair.
What Samantha did
- Acted as a genuinely independent investigator outside the relationships involved
- Gathered evidence and interviewed both parties fairly
- Tested the allegations objectively against what could be evidenced
- Produced a clear, documented findings report
The outcome
The complaint was resolved through a fair, independent process the business could stand behind, with a properly documented outcome.
Resolved through independent investigation.
What this means for you
When you are too close to investigate, independence is not a luxury. It is what makes the outcome fair and defensible.
Related support
Workplace investigation support →Anonymised. Sector, names and identifying details have been removed or changed. Outcomes reflect the specific circumstances of each case and are not a guarantee of any particular result.