Delegates from a variety of international and UK based organisations recently completed the first BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Workplace Investigation and Interviewing course. The course was delivered by Angus Darroch-Warren of security consultancy Linx International Ltd, with the security management training company, ARC Training International Ltd.
ARCโs training venue in leafy Berkshire was the scene for the inaugural BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Workplace Investigation and Interviewing course. Designed and delivered by Angus Darroch-Warren of Linx International Ltd, and co-branded with ARC, delegates learnt about the art, or perhaps science, of investigation.<br><br>Angus, who co-wrote the Security Instituteโs Good Practice Guide to Workplace Investigations (featured in February 2011โs edition of Professional Security), is a firm believer that investigations are an integral part of any organisationโs risk management strategy. All too often those tasked with investigating an incident do not have the requisite skills or knowledge, leading to poorly conducted investigations that may damage corporate and individual reputations. Angus also found that โworkplace investigation trainingโ was primarily provided by law firms and specialist HR consultants, with the majorityโs focus purely on the disciplinary process and not on the methodologies required to obtain the necessary proofs for that process. At ARC, David Cresswell was looking to include an investigation course, and so a partnership was formed. <br><br>The programme, Investigation and Interviewing Skills, was developed and then delivered in the UK and overseas in countries such as Nigeria and Egypt, and was well received by delegates from a range of industries, job roles and backgrounds. The course also met many of the proposed competences of the SIA investigation training and provided the fundamental knowledge and techniques necessary for the new or inexperienced investigator, be they in security, HR or an operations role. As both Linx and ARC are approved training centres with Edexcel, steps were then taken to have the course formally recognised by the awarding body and in early 2011 the programme was signed off as a BTEC Level 4 Professional Award in Workplace Investigation and Interviewing. <br><br>The course comprises three units that cover investigation planning, evidence gathering and evidence presentation. For example, effective planning at the outset is essential to any investigation; once an incident has occurred consideration must be given to factors such as the risks to the business, the requirement to notify regulatory bodies and the welfare of the individuals involved. Often investigative resources are limited and can be wasted on frivolous or vexatious complaints, initial analysis of the problem is therefore essential prior to embarking on a full-blown and perhaps costly investigation.<br><br>These type of fundamental considerations are covered during the course along with key legal concepts and legislation (the differences between civil and criminal law, standards of proof, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984); Human Rights; privacy issues (Data protection, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the ICO); interview preparation (the PEACE model) and the disciplinary process (ACAS Code of Practice, the Burchell Test). Certain topics covered during the course will be familiar to those with a law enforcement background. However former police officers attending the course conceded that while they had sound knowledge of the criminal justice system, they were not so familiar with civil processes upon which the Level 4 course focuses. It was also an eye-opener for some of those attending to realise that what is deemed โfit for purposeโ or โgood practiceโ within their organisation, may in fact make them liable to employment claims or other forms of litigation.<br><br>Angus is keen to avoid delivering overly academic courses based purely on theory. He actively encourages discussion in the training room, using examples from his own background as a corporate investigator and those of the delegates who share experiences and debate the practicalities and realities of conducting investigations within their own operational context. They learn from one another and pick up pointers from the more experienced group members. This interactive style was one contributing factor to the very positive feedback received from the group, the content being described by one delegate as โspot onโ and another stated the course was โwell managed and funโ. <br><br>In addition to classroom based activities, delegates managed their own investigation, practically applying theories and techniques learnt in the classroom. Through scenario based exercises, delegates had the opportunity to practice interview techniques, analyse material and present their findings in a workplace context. There is often a need to manage large amounts of investigation material, compile files and provide relevant reports to interested parties, often within tight timeframes โ all of which are simulated during the course. Practical application of the theory during the โwho-dunnitโ case study reinforces the learning from the classroom.<br><br>Investigators need to know where to look for information, how to obtain it legally and how to present it for best effect. An awareness of pertinent legislation and understanding how decided cases in criminal and civil courts impact on the investigative process is vital. Gathering information, particularly during the interview process, and developing it into viable evidence requires skill and practice. There is a veritable minefield of legislation and pitfalls in terms of process that the investigator needs to be aware of and this course provides insight as to what they are. <br><br>For further information contact:<br><br>Angus Darroch-Warrenangus@linx-int.com+44 (0) 1932 225 151<br>Janet Wardjanetward@arc-tc.com +44 (0) 118 984 1040.
