Investigation Resources
Conducting fair and lawful investigations in relation to staff and student procedures
The purpose of an investigation is for the University to establish a fair and balanced view of the facts relating to any allegations or complaints which require investigation in accordance with one of the University’s procedures (staff and student complaints/grievances, student and staff misconduct, academic misconduct, fitness to practice and performance matters). This is done ahead of any formal action being taken or sanction being given.
The amount of investigation required will depend on the nature of the allegations and will vary from case to case. It may involve interviewing and taking statements and/or reviewing relevant documents.
The HR Professional and Advisory Team and the Student Complaints, Appeals and Regulations Team will work with the Head of School or Head of Directorate/Function to agree the appointment of an Investigating Officer to carry out an investigation relating to a complaint relating to a member of staff or a student. They will provide information about support available to those undertaking the investigations and those who are subject to or will be spoken to as part of the investigation.
Investigation Skills Training
Human Resources, Legal Services and the Student Complaints Appeals and Regulations Team now jointly provide this course, given that managers are being asked with more and more frequency to undertake investigations and to recognise that they can be complex and without careful management, can take on a life of their own. This course aims to provide those undertaking investigations with a good practice guide in how to plan and carry out good quality investigations.
This course is for members of the University’s Executive Board, Leadership Group (Heads of Schools, Associate Pro Vice Chancellors, Heads of Directorate and Heads of Functions) and staff who hold roles in Schools (SDTL, SDAT and Heads of Department) who may be required as part of their leadership role to undertake investigations.
We offer 3 in-person training sessions per year and details of upcoming training can be found on UoRLearn here: How to carry out fair and lawful investigations in staff and student cases
We also have a number of resources which can be helpful to those undertaking investigations which are available on the right-hand side of this page.
Decision Making Training
Human Resources, Legal Services and the Student Complaints Appeals and Regulations Team are also now able to offer a new course (as a follow on from the Investigation Skills Training course) which is aimed at managers who may be Chairing and/or participating as a Panel member in a formal capacity where they are making decisions and issuing formal sanctions (under staff or student procedures).
We offer 3 in-person training sessions per year and details of upcoming training can be found on UoRLearn here: Decision Making in Staff and Student Cases.
Please note: you will be expected to have completed the Investigation Skills Training prior to attending the Decision Making training.
Target audience for this training: members of the University’s Executive Board, Leadership Group (Heads of Schools, Associate Pro Vice Chancellors, Heads of Directorate and Heads of Functions) and staff who hold senior leadership roles in Schools or Directorates who may be asked to be on a Panel.
To find out more about the training courses please contact: peopledevelopment@reading.ac.uk so you can be put in touch with one of the trainers
The HR Professional and Advisory team will also provide support to managers who may be asked to undertake an investigation in relation to staff cases. Details of the team and which areas they support are here.
The Student Complaints Appeals and Regulations Team will advise on student cases. To contact the team please email: studentcomplaints@reading.ac.uk