How to Conduct an Internal Harassment and Bullying Investigation to Determine Facts and Minimize Liability
Event Info
Description
The TrainHR Course is approved by HRCI and SHRM Recertification Provider.
Overview:
The EEOC requires that employers receiving a complaint, or otherwise
learning of alleged harassment in the workplace, to "investigate
promptly and thoroughly take immediate and appropriate corrective action
by doing whatever is necessary to end the harassment, make the victim
whole by restoring lost employment benefits or opportunities, and
prevent the misconduct from recurring". That's a tall order to ensure a
just and fair handling of a harassment complaint - an essential order
that all organizations are required, by law, to follow. The
investigation process is, perhaps, the most critical element in dealing
with harassment. In cases that have gone to court it is often due to
inadequate or absent investigations of complaints. Do you know how to
conduct an investigation? This program will cover the intricacies of
conducting a harassment investigation.
Why should you Attend
The investigation is essential in determining the validity to a
complaint of protected class harassment and bullying. Conducting a fair
and impartial investigation diminishes liability, and can decrease
further misconduct by preventing it from becoming pervasive. The
investigation may serve to minimize damages paid to the complainant. The
institution demonstrates its commitment to the prevention and
intervention of the misconduct resulting in less harassment,
discrimination and other forms on misconduct on campus. By conducting
its own investigation, the institution may avoid an investigation by
another agency such as the EEOC. An investigation is required to help
ensure a safe and healthy organizational climate.
Anyone who conducts an investigation must be trained in how to do so.
Merely having the experience of conducting investigations without having
been taught the art and science of the process is not enough. When your
organization ensures it is investigator is trained in how to conduct
investigations, it demonstrates its commitment to prevention of
harassment to the Court or outside agency.
The webinar addresses laws that HR is responsible for upholding. When
the laws are not followed, it increases the liability for the
organization and interferes with a fair and equitable work environment
for employees.
Areas Covered in the Session:
- To determine if an investigation is necessary
- To discuss the steps of an investigation
- To explore the intricacies of interviewing the accuser, accused and witnesses
- To differentiate between a formal and informal investigative procedures
- To determine credibility of all interviewees
- To draw conclusions following an investigation
- To list necessary elements in writing the formal report outlining the investigation
Course Outline:
- Discussion about if and when an investigation is required
- Comparison of a formal and informal investigation process
- Planning for the investigation
- Review of what Constitutes a Witness
- Legal Issues Surrounding an Investigation such as Confidentiality, Defamation of Character, and false Imprisonment
- The importance of Documentation of each Interviewee
- Examples of Appropriate and Inappropriate Documentation and why it is Critical
- Specific details regarding how to Corroborate Evidence
- List of Criteria to determine Credibility of those Interviewed
- He Said/she Said
- The Role of the Investigator in forming an opinion following the Investigation
- How to follow-up with the target, accused, and the organization
- The critical importance of an investigative report
- List of Misconduct Triggers that are a catalyst for an Investigation
- Template Final Report
Who Will Benefit
- Human Resources professionals - those tasked with investigations such as Generalists, Mangers, and Directors
- Attorneys
- HR Consultants
Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer, consultant and a recognized expert on workplace and school harassment and bullying. She conducts harassment and bullying investigations and functions as an expert witness in harassment and bullying lawsuits. Her clients are from business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sector.
Event link : http://www.trainhr.com/control/w_product/~product_id=701815LIVE/?channel=chinwag_november_2017_SEO
Contact Details:
NetZealous LLC, DBA TrainHR
Phone: +1-800-385-1627
Email: support
trainhr [dot] com
