Frequently Asked Questions
To view an answer, simply click on the relevant question.
If your question has not been answered, please feel free to contact us and one of our staff will be happy to assist.
We are the only national mediation company that you can rely on to provide a consistent service that will support both the employee and employer to get the best results.
It depends on your workplace policies and procedures. Usually it is obvious who the complaint is from. Further, not disclosing the complainant can have the unintended impact of receiving mischievous complaints, encourage a complaint culture and create suspicion in the workplace which can be the source of stress and anxiety. We recommend that the complainant names are disclosed (where this is consistent with your internal policies) and the complaint transparent to the respondent (person complained about) unless there is a threat to the safety (well-being) of those complaining and or the incidents are very serious. There are other measures you can take to protect employees’ safety where this is raised as an issue.
You will be contacted directly by the investigator to arrange an interview. The investigator will discuss the date, time and location of the interview and will be able to give you an estimate of how long the interview will take.
Normally, the interview will be done during work time.
Generally you can, but check your policies and procedures.
Your support person can be a friend, relative, work colleague, union representative or legal representative. If your support person is a work colleague, it is preferable that he/she be someone who has not had any involvement with the matters that are under investigation as this person may be required as a witness.
Your support person can give you advice and support during the interview, can ask general process and clarification questions but should not answer questions for you.
If possible, please let the investigator know who your support person is prior to your interview.
If you need a translator or assistance for the interview, please let the investigator know as soon as possible.
No, you do not have to answer the investigator’s questions. However, you should remember that the interview is your chance to tell your side of the story and if the investigator asks you a question it is because the investigator believes the answer might be important to the investigation.
You have been asked to attend an interview because it is thought that you may have information which is important to the investigation.
If you choose not to attend an interview, the investigator will make findings based on the available evidence.
Many factors can impact on the time taken to complete an investigation. For example:
There may be a considerable number of interviews and parties may be difficult to contact.
The investigator may need to travel to different locations to interview parties.
Additional allegations or counter allegations may be raised during the investigation.
Ask your interviewer for an approximate time frame.
Once all the interviews are completed, the investigator will prepare and finalise the investigation report. The finished investigation report will be given to the decision maker (usually the employer).
The interview is conducted by the investigator. The interview is your opportunity to present your side of the story and to give the investigator information you believe is relevant to the matters under investigation. Usually interviews are audio recorded. You can ask for a copy of the transcript.
It is not necessary for you to bring anything to the interview. However, if you have any documentation or other material (that you’re entitled to have) which you think may be relevant to the investigation such as diary notes, emails, photos, footage, Facebook print outs, text messages or any other relevant documentation, you can bring this to your interview.
If there is a document or other material that is not in your possession and which you think may be relevant to the investigation, you can give those details to the investigator during the interview. The investigator will make arrangements to obtain that material if required.
No, unless the employer is legally compelled to release the report to you. The report belongs to the employer. Generally, you will not be advised of the outcome of the investigation as this information is confidential. Once you have attended your interview it is unlikely that you will hear anything further in relation to the matter (unless you are the complainant or respondent). However, some workplaces do provide you with a short summary as long as it does not contravene a person’s privacy rights.
