Thursday, 24 September 2026
09:30 - 16:00
(
6 hours 30 mins )
Online
This unique online event gives you the opportunity to observe a realistic workplace investigation unfold from first complaint through to final outcome. Through a professionally acted workplace scenario, you'll watch an experienced HR practitioner and employment solicitor guide the investigation process, conducting interviews, examining evidence, making procedural decisions and explaining the reasoning behind each stage.
Rather than simply discussing best practice, you'll see how workplace investigations operate in practice, with expert commentary throughout on what was done well, what could have been handled differently, and how decisions align with the LRA Code of Practice and Northern Ireland employment law.
Reading guidance is one thing. Seeing a workplace investigation unfold in real time is another.
Using a realistic role-play scenario, this event follows a workplace investigation from first complaint to final outcome. You'll observe interviews, review evidence as it emerges, and see how experienced HR and legal professionals navigate difficult decisions where there isn't always a straightforward answer.
Throughout the day, the presenters will explain the legal principles, practical considerations and potential pitfalls behind each stage, helping you understand not just what decisions are made, but why. The role-play is performed by the presenters, allowing you to focus on observing the investigation and applying the lessons to your own workplace.
This event is designed for anyone involved in:
Whether you are new to workplace investigations or have significant experience, this session will help you test your thinking, reflect on complex workplace situations, and take away practical approaches you can use in your organisation.
Secure your place today and gain practical insight into conducting fair, effective workplace investigations with confidence.
Here's what to expect over this full-day look at workplace investigation processes in Northern Ireland:
Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner, Legal Island, welcomes and introduces the structure of the day.
Watch a workplace investigation unfold in real time. Through live role-play performed by Legal Island's team, you'll follow a realistic case from complaint to outcome.
Jack Balmer, Director at Tughans LLP and Julie Holmes, Knowledge Partner, Legal Island, will begin the day by exploring the core principles of effective workplace investigations.
This session focuses on crucial early stages. By observing early fact‑finding meetings via observed role plays, we will weigh up when and how to intervene in situations, informal versus formal routes, clarifying roles, and setting clear terms of reference to establish a structured, defensible approach. You will see how the actions of HR, investigators and managers, as well as workplace dynamics and external influences, shape the experience and outcomes for everyone involved.
See you back in 15 minutes
Investigation meetings are often where cases are made or undone. As witness interviews, evidence gathering and key decision points unfold, we'll explore the considerations of running a formal investigation, from managing logistics to effective questioning techniques and supporting witnesses to give their best evidence.
We'll also consider how to balance fairness with employee wellbeing and how HR, managers and investigators can create a process that is both robust and respectful for everyone involved.
See you back in 1 hour
Observe investigation meetings as they unfold and the challenges of gathering witness statements and evidence. Explore how to capture accurate and impartial statements and evidence while avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to assumptions, bias or lost detail.
Investigations rarely go exactly to plan. Explore how issues such as absence, grievances and unexpected developments can create challenges along the way. Learn approaches to plan ahead, manage obstacles and keep investigations fair, thorough and on track.
See you in 15 minutes.
As the investigation reaches its conclusion, we'll explore evidence‑based decisions, understanding and maintaining professional boundaries and communicating outcomes with confidence. There will also be tips on compiling a balanced investigation report.
This session will bring the day's learning together as we reflect on the full investigation journey and explore the key decisions, challenges and lessons along the way. This Q&A session is your opportunity to ask questions and respond to challenges and scrutiny. We will also highlight useful resources to support your future investigations.
Jack is a director in the employment team at Tughans LLP and supports clients on all aspects of employment law.
Much of his work involves:
Restructuring, redundancy and TUPE processes.
Conduct and performance management.
Employee exits and pre-termination negotiations.
Post-termination restrictions and enforcement.
HR support, employment contracts and policies.
Workplace data privacy, including monitoring, background checks and subject access requests.
Jack regularly represents clients in the courts and tribunals, often in complex and high value claims. He has appeared in the tribunals, county courts and Court of Appeal.
Jack is qualified to practice in both Northern Ireland and England & Wales and has particular expertise advising UK-wide and multinational employers operating in Northern Ireland.
His recent experience includes:
Jack is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and Employment Lawyers Group NI and regularly contributes to Legal Island.
Julie Holmes is an HR Professional who joined the Knowledge team at Legal Island in June 2022. Using her extensive experience in Human Resources and L&D to help organisations attain key strategic objectives, Julie enjoyed the challenges of working across a range of sectors. She is an Associate Member of the CIPD. In her spare time, Julie is an enthusiastic gardener and member of the Irish Garden Plant Society. She is also a fan of scary movies (the parts she sees from behind a cushion anyway!)
Booking is quick and straightforward. Choose to pay securely by card or request an invoice at checkout.
