Workplace investigations: A practical skills workshop

Workplace investigations are receiving unprecedented scrutiny from courts, tribunals, regulators, and employees. Employers are increasingly expected to respond to workplace complaints with processes that are fair, timely, thorough, and defensible, often in highly sensitive and complex circumstances. Inadequate investigation processes can expose organizations to significant legal, operational, and reputational consequences, particularly where employers are subject to statutory obligations to investigate workplace complaints. This full-day interactive workshop is designed for HR professionals, in-house counsel, and organizational leaders responsible for managing workplace complaints and investigations. Led by Gowling WLG’s experienced employment lawyers, the program explores key considerations, emerging expectations, and best practices for conducting effective workplace investigations. Learning objectives Through instruction, discussion, and applied exercises grounded in real-world workplace scenarios, participants will work through multifaceted issues that commonly arise in matters subject to judicial, regulatory, and tribunal scrutiny, with the opportunity to apply best practices in a collaborative learning environment. By the end of the program, attendees will be equipped to: • Prepare for and conduct a workplace investigation from start to finish • Assess and triage workplace complaints • Define an investigation mandate and develop a defensible investigation plan • Conduct effective witness interviews using structured interviewing techniques • Assess witness credibility and reliability • Maintain procedural fairness throughout the investigation process • Draft clear investigation reports and implement appropriate remedial action • Apply investigation principles through realistic scenario-based exercises Attendees will also receive a comprehensive toolkit containing ready-to-use templates and reference materials, including: ✔ Sample Investigation Plan ✔ Commencement of Investigation Letters (Complainant, Respondent, and Witness) ✔ Confidentiality Agreement ✔ Credibility Assessment Tool ✔ Allegation Analysis Matrix ✔ Sample Investigation Report Table of Contents ✔ Reporting Letters to Complainant and Respondent Turn uncertainty into advantage “The materials provided were comprehensive and well-structured. I enjoyed the discussions and collaboration among the participants. The knowledge and skills I gained will undoubtedly benefit me in my role and contribute to a more inclusive and productive workplace.” — Angeline, Past Workshop Attendee Register by August 1, 2026, to receive a 15% early bird discount. Please note that, in order to maximize the interactive nature of the program, registration will be limited. Early registration is encouraged. Attendees will be offered a light breakfast, snacks and lunch. This program is eligible for up to 6 hours of substantive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits with the LSO, the LSBC and the Barreau du Québec. This program has been approved for 6 hours of CPD hours by the Ontario Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA). If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].