Corporate Investigations & Whistleblowing
Overview
When wrongdoing is suspected, organisations must act quickly, fairly and lawfully. This course covers how to set up whistleblowing channels, protect reporters, plan and conduct internal investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses and report findings that stand up to scrutiny.
Who should attend
Compliance and ethics officers, internal auditors, HR and legal staff, and investigators.
Training methodology
Interactive presentations, practical exercises, case studies, group discussions, role-plays where relevant, and a personal action plan that participants apply in their own work.
Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Design effective whistleblowing systems
- Protect whistleblowers and manage confidentiality
- Plan and scope internal investigations
- Gather evidence and conduct interviews properly
- Write clear, defensible investigation reports
Course outline
Day 1Whistleblowing Systems
- Purpose and benefits
- Channels and hotlines
- Policy design
- Legal protections
- Case discussion
Day 2Handling Reports
- Intake and triage
- Confidentiality and anonymity
- Protecting reporters
- Deciding to investigate
- Exercise
Day 3Planning Investigations
- Scope and objectives
- Investigation team
- Legal considerations
- Investigation plan
- Planning exercise
Day 4Evidence and Interviews
- Document and digital evidence
- Chain of custody
- Interview techniques
- Interviewing the subject
- Interview practice
Day 5Reporting and Follow-up
- Writing the investigation report
- Findings and recommendations
- Disciplinary and legal action
- Lessons learned
- Action plan
