Dignity at Work Investigations - The Impact of the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 has brought together the key pieces of discrimination legislation which prevent unfair treatment on the grounds of sex, race, disability, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, and age (‘protected characteristics'). It is vital that managers are fully trained in investigating complaints of bullying, harassment and other matters related to dignity at work, in compliance with the requirements of legislation and their organisational procedures.

Impact/outcomes

By the end of the programme participants will:

• Be able to link their organisation's policies and the legislative framework governing bullying and harassment/dignity at work investigations, with the practical skills required to conduct investigations
• Have discussed and be able to describe the role of the investigator and understand the possible outcomes of the investigation
• Have developed and practised interviewing skills by taking part in practice investigation interviews
• Understand the purpose, required structure and content of the investigation report and associated documentation

Programme

• Legal background and the impact of  The Equality Act 2010
• Role, remit and responsibilities of the investigating officer
• Investigation and interviewing skills and techniques
• Interviewing skills - preparation and practice     
• Feedback from skills practice
• Layout, format and style of statements & investigation reports

This course will equip managers with the necessary skills, techniques and confidence to resolve disputes informally wherever possible, and to conduct formal investigations in a fair, balanced and consistent manner.

Who should attend