Expertise
Workplace investigations
Fair, thorough investigations that protect your business and your people
When there’s an allegation or dispute in the workplace, any investigation needs to be fair, thorough and swift, to safeguard both your staff’s well being and your organisation’s reputation.
Ford Sumner’s investigations practice is led by Partner Jaesen Sumner, a highly qualified 30-year veteran in employment law and dispute resolution. Jaesen and the team will provide an impartial and confidential investigation, ensuring that natural-justice principles are followed and the outcome will stand up well against any legal challenges.
With experience in investigations across a range of industries, the Ford Sumner team bring a thorough, disciplined approach, along with a dose of pragmatism and the flexibility needed to accommodate any specific protocols that might apply. Jaesen and the team also bring a strong understanding of tikanga Māori – in Jaesen’s case through having acted for a number of iwi.
Our investigation services ensure our clients meet their obligations as employers and support them to maintain a positive workplace culture.
Our workplace investigation services
Investigating workplace allegations and grievances
We investigate workplace allegations and conflicts fairly and impartially, hearing all the relevant evidence and perspectives. Our team will interview all witnesses, document the information obtained, and make our own independent findings. If needed, we also assess our findings against relevant workplace policies.
When the investigation is complete, we will provide you with a clear, comprehensive report that documents the investigation and its process. This will give you confidence that the findings are legally solid and are a strong basis for any necessary action.
Reviewing your workplace policies on misconduct and investigations
Ford Sumner’s team will give you confidence that your policies and processes for workplace investigations comply with legal and corporate standards. Whether you’re introducing a new policy or you think it’s time to review your current documentation, we will review and revise them as needed, ensuring they will stand up to scrutiny and give you a solid basis for decision making.
Meet our team
Each member of our seasoned investigations team is a specialist in employment law and dispute resolution.
The team is led by Partner Jaesen Sumner, who has nearly three decades’ experience in employment law and dispute resolution. Jaesen has led complex investigations across a range of industries, and he also brings a good understanding of tikanga Māori, having often acted for iwi.
Jaesen is a graduate of the International Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Certificate Programme in the US, which is the leading internationally recognised qualification.
Jaesen Sumner
Partner
Investigation expert
How to Get Started
If you suspect an issue may require an independent investigation or need guidance on maintaining compliance, your first step is simple: reach out to us.
We’ll discuss your specific concerns, review any relevant details, and explain the options available through our legal services. From there, we’ll tailor a plan that addresses your organisation’s unique risks and protects everyone involved.
Contact Ford Sumner Lawyers today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards a secure, compliant workplace.
News and insights
Workplace Investigation: Legal updates and case studies
At Ford Sumner, we are a committed part of New Zealand’s business sector and local communities. We keep a watchful eye for relevant legislative and regulatory changes, and we regularly write and share updates on what these changes will mean in practice for our clients.
So check in regularly with this part of our website, and subscribe to our newsletters.
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