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ARTICLE · 17 MARCH 2026

Investigations

Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
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Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin

Joint managing partners: Jo Farmer, Richard Miskella International offices: Dublin, Hong Kong...

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This Inbrief sets out the main considerations for organisations faced with grievances or allegations of wrongdoing which may require formal investigation.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Karen Baxter
Karen Baxter
Carolyn Miller
Carolyn Miller
Sally Hulston
Sally Hulston
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This Inbrief sets out the main considerations for organisations faced with grievances or allegations of wrongdoing which may require formal investigation. We deal with how to appoint the right investigator, scoping the investigation, dealing with witnesses and tricky issues that can arise.

We also recommend the helpful ACAS guidance on this topic, which sets out the steps organisations of all sizes must or should follow.

When to investigate

The first decision for any organisation which receives a grievance, complaint or other allegation of wrongdoing will be whether to conduct a formal investigation. Organisations should consider a formal investigation in the following circumstances:

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