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“As an expert in conducting internal disciplinary investigations, I am convinced that every company, regardless of its size, will inevitably encounter situations of high tension or crisis. While these circumstances can be delicate, they also offer valuable opportunities to restore transparency and trust, reinforce ethical values within the organization, and ensure a healthy work environment for all employees.
My role is to assist my clients with professionalism, independence, and impartiality in navigating these challenges. With a structured methodology and a pragmatic approach that meets legal requirements, I establish the facts, clarify the stakes, and recommend tailored actions or measures suited to the specific context. Together, let’s work to maintain the well-being of your employees and uphold the reputation of your company.”
– Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco
What is an internal disciplinary investigation?
An internal disciplinary investigation is a structured process designed to address allegations of personal integrity violations reported within an organization. It follows a formal and methodical approach to ensure impartiality, safeguard sensitive information, and protect the rights of all parties involved.
This process enables the organization to:
- address alleged violations of personal integrity: conduct thorough investigations, primarily through interviews with the involved parties and witnesses, in response to complaints of sexual harassment, psychological harassment (mobbing), discrimination, or any other inappropriate behavior as defined by internal policies.
- protect employees: act quickly to stop any disturbances, ensuring fair treatment for both the victim and the alleged perpetrator.
- audit internal practices and processes: evaluate existing risks and propose suitable preventive or corrective measures
Entrusting this task to a lawyer, who is an expert in conducting disciplinary investigations as recommended by SECO, ensures impartiality, independence, and professionalism. A well-executed investigation lays a solid foundation for implementing appropriate measures, restoring trust within the organization, and preventing similar situations from occurring in the future.
Key considerations for conducting an effective internal investigation
Internal disciplinary investigations are vital for managing sensitive situations within an organization. Here are the primary reasons why an organization should initiate an internal investigation:
- To preserve the safety of employees and the company’s reputation: Ignoring allegations of serious personal misconduct can swiftly impact the well-being of the affected employee and damage the organization’s reputation;
- To ensure ethics and compliance: Internal investigations help identify behaviors or practices that violate legal requirements or contradict the company’s core values and policies.;
- To Maintain a Harmonious Work Environment: By addressing issues at their root, internal investigations can halt disruptions, restore trust, and foster open dialogue without fear of retaliation.;
- To limit legal and financial risks: Prompt and effective action can avert costly legal proceedings and reduce the liability of the company and its managers.
Conducting an internal investigation demonstrates responsible management by protecting the health and safety of employees while preserving the integrity of the company.
Key steps in a professional internal investigation
A thorough internal investigation relies on a formal, structured process to ensure reliable and actionable results:
- Define objectives: identify the issue, the scope of the investigation, and the parties involved;
- Develop an intervention strategy: Tailor the approach to the specific context and facilitate the collection of tangible information while safeguarding the rights of both the complainant and the accused;
- Gather information: Conduct interviews with parties and witnesses according to the defined strategy and review all relevant documentation;
- Analyze Data: Cross-reference the collected information to verify the relevance, substance, and consistency of the allegations;
- Draft an Investigation Report: Present clear, well-documented conclusions, accompanied by concrete recommendations;
- Propose Solutions: Where applicable, suggest corrective measures to address identified issues.
Engaging a lawyer who is an expert in conducting internal disciplinary investigations ensures a rigorous approach that combines objectivity, confidentiality, and professionalism, leading to reliable and relevant results.
The benefits of assigning your internal investigations to a lawyer
Engaging Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco for your internal investigations offers the advantage of expertise and rigor from a recognized professional. Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco applies her experience and methodology to resolve sensitive situations with both a human and technical approach.
- Neutrality and objectivity: As an external consultant, Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco provides a neutral and impartial analysis, free from internal biases;
- Confidentiality: By managing information thoughtfully and carefully, she ensures the protection of sensitive data throughout the investigation, thereby enhancing the trust of all parties involved.;
- In-depth expertise: With training in advanced investigative methodologies, Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco adheres to high professional standards, conducting each investigation with rigor and efficiency;
- Actionable recommendations: Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco’s conclusions are consistently accompanied by concrete proposals aimed at addressing any issues and preventing their recurrence.
Her commitment is to assist you in resolving complex and serious situations while reinforcing integrity and harmony within your company.
Protect your organization with a tailored internal investigation
Internal disciplinary investigations go beyond conflict resolution; they represent a company’s strong commitment to ethics, transparency, and social responsibility. These investigations are a proactive and essential response to the complex challenges businesses face, regardless of their size or industry
With the support of Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco, a renowned lawyer and expert in internal investigations, you will benefit from a rigorous approach tailored to your specific context and needs. Contact a person of trust today to ensure the well-being of your staff and safeguard the integrity and reputation of your company
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