Developing a Workplace Investigations Policy

How to conduct a Workplace Investigation legally and ethically

Online | 5 & 7 August 2025

Overview

The nature and complexity of the modern workplace environment demand that a workplace investigation is conducted with objectivity, on a factual basis, and fairness of process. An investigation, conducted in the workplace, must also comply with Australian legislation and regulations.

Without a formal, documented Investigations Policy along with the proper governance and oversight, organisations will find themselves increasingly vulnerable to legal actions. Because of this, organisations, be they public or private, require a formal documented Investigations Policy.

A formal Investigations Policy achieves the following:

Is specific to that organisation
Formalises the organisational approach to a workplace investigation
Formalises the procedures and conduct of an investigation in that workplace
Explains the boundaries and rules of a workplace investigation within current legislation and regulations
Complies with legislation and regulations, in the conduct of investigations in the organisation
Provides a measure of protection against potential complaints and legal actions
Lays the foundation for proper governance and oversight of investigations conducted in the workplace.

Learning Outcomes

1.Understand what is and what constitutes an Investigations Policy
2.Identify the principles in the conduct of an Investigation
3.Develop and implement a suitable Investigations Policy
4.Implement suitable Governance and Audit approaches to ensure the proper implementation of the Investigations Policy

Special Highlight: Participants will leave the program with a draft Workplace Investigations Policy document tailored for their organisation.

Who Should Attend

Those with responsibilities for the oversight and conduct of Investigations within their organisations, including Heads of Human Resources Teams, Fraud, and Investigations Teams
Those within organisations who have been appointed to conduct investigations in their organisations
Those with responsibilities for the governance and oversight of the conduct of investigations in their workplace

Participants will be provided with an Investigations Policy template to support the development of their own Workplace Investigations Policy document.

Preparation

This course is highly interactive, with group discussions and collaboration—particularly during the development of participants' own Workplace Investigations Policy. Attendees are encouraged to bring along current investigation challenges they’ve faced (or are facing) in their organisation, as well as any relevant HR or personnel policies.

A computer with a camera and microphone
Strong internet connection
Quiet, well-lit space
Current challenges you are facing within your government enterprise

Meet Your Facilitator

Philip Wagner

Philip Wagner is a cyber security, leadership educator, trainer, speaker, executive coach and project or program manager with extensive leadership and project management expertise in both civilian and military environments. He has advised and trained in a wide range of industries, from banking and finance, education and training, technology and government at federal and state levels. He is a serving part-time Army Officer.

His previous roles include:

Director, Cyber Security, Information Technology Security Advisor and Senior Cyber Security Advisor, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
Director of Cyber Security and Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with the National Disability Insurance Agency
Senior Project Manager for a major Australian Health provider in developing their Cyber program.
He has written and has officially endorsed a Commonwealth Government Department’s Artificial Intelligence Policy

Agenda

Day 1

10.00 am	Welcome and Introductions
10.10 am	Module 1: Introduction to Investigations Policy The first session will cover the training overview, objectives, and outcomes, followed by an icebreaker activity. Laying the foundations for sound Investigations Policy and Process What is an Investigation Aims of an Investigation Types of Investigations carried out within organisations The need for and importance of a formal documented Investigations Policy for organisations The difference between public-sector and private-sector investigations Introduction to Australian Government Investigation Standards 4 x AGIS Principles 1.Ethics and professionalism are applied and performed to the highest order in investigations 2.Investigations support the business and reputation of government. 3.A continuous cycle of review is applied to investigations. 4.Entities are responsible for investigation information management of their entity. 4 x AGIS Principal Streams 1.Personnel 2.Information and Evidence Management 3.Investigative Practices 4.Quality Assurance Discussion: What measures are currently in place in your organisations regarding Investigations Policies?
11.00 am	Module 2: The Foundations of a Workplace Investigations Policy - Theory and Practical This session covers the following: How to Plan an Investigations Policy Considerations in the Planning and implementing a Workplace Investigations Policy Participants will be provided with a Workplace Investigations Template. Key Components: Policy Statement: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability Legislation and Regulation Scope – Application of policy Confidentiality Natural Justice Standard of Proof Timeline Current best practices in Investigations Policy and process The biggest issue – Trust Current best practices in Investigations Policy and Identity Management Current organisational challenges: Time Skilled resources Human Resource Security: Duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of key job roles Mapping job roles to systems and applications Onboarding or prior to employment During Employment Termination or change of employment Selection of Investigation third party suppliers / vendors Requirements Selection Approach Planning The 5 stages PPPTT Staged Approach to Planning and Implementing a Workplace Investigations Policy: Policy, Plan, Process, Technology, Training
12.00 pm	Lunch
12.45 pm	Module 2: The Foundations of a Workplace Investigations Policy Management - Theory and Practical This session continues from the morning session and transitions into the practical work, with participants commencing to draft their Investigations Policy. Participants will work in small groups, that allows for the exchange of ideas. An Investigations Policy template will be provided to allow participants to commence the development of their workplace Investigations Policy
1.50 pm	Break
1.55 pm	Module 2: The Foundations of a Workplace Investigations Policy - Theory and Practical This session allows participants to continue developing their individual Workplace Investigations Policies in collaboration with their groups.
2.25 pm	Reflections and Closing Remarks
2.30 pm	End of Day 1

Day 2

10.00 am	Welcome and Review of Day 1
10.15 am	Module 3: Implementing Investigations Policy in Your Organisation This session builds on Module 2, "Foundations of a Workplace Investigations Policy," and focuses on creating the Project Plan for implementation. Business case Project planning - utilising the PPPTT approach Putting the project plan together (template provided) Project planning - utilising the PPPTT approach Policy Planning Process Technology Training Approval process Legal Governance and oversight
11.00 am	Break
11.10 am	Module 4: Governance and Oversight of Investigations Policy This session focuses on setting up and implementing the Governance and Oversight approach required. The RAAT approach (Responsibility, Accountability, Auditability, Trackability) to Policy oversight Governance and oversight of the investigations policy Steps, and processes to meet legislative and regulatory compliance
12.00 pm	Lunch
12.30 pm	Module 4: Governance and Oversight of Investigations Policy Activity: This highly interactive session discusses goes through the steps required to put together your Investigations Policy and approach. Review of your plan from Modules 2 & 3 Governance and oversight Resourcing Workplace investigations: To outsource or not? Risks, mitigations, and treatments Communication with stakeholders Training of staff
1.45 pm	Final Summation & Closing Remarks
2.00 pm	End of Day 2

Register Early & Save

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$1,595

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