Investigations that hold up
When an allegation surfaces at a remote site, how it is handled matters as much as what is found. A poorly run investigation can fail the people affected, expose the company to legal and reputational risk, and leave the underlying problem in place.
Australian employers now have a positive duty to prevent workplace sexual harassment, and the 2022 Western Australian parliamentary inquiry into sexual harassment in the FIFO mining industry put a spotlight on how remote-site allegations are handled. Human rights allegations involving security forces draw scrutiny from NGOs, lenders and governments. These matters need investigators with both the skills and the operational understanding to get it right.
What we investigate
- Theft, fraud and procurement or contractor misconduct
- Sexual harassment, sexual assault and other serious workplace misconduct
- Bullying, discrimination and code of conduct breaches
- Allegations of human rights abuses involving private or public security
- Security incidents, use of force and critical incidents
How we work
Triage and planning
We help you assess the allegation, immediate safety and welfare needs, and the right scope and terms of reference.
Evidence gathering
Interviews, documents, digital records and physical evidence are gathered and preserved with proper chain of custody.
Trauma-informed, fair process
Interviews are conducted with care for complainants and witnesses, and with procedural fairness for the people involved.
Analysis and findings
Findings are made on the evidence against the appropriate standard of proof, clearly reasoned and documented.
Reporting and next steps
A report your leadership, legal advisers or external bodies can rely on, with recommendations to address root causes.
What you receive
- Clear terms of reference and investigation plan
- An evidence-based investigation report with findings and reasoning
- Recommendations on systemic issues, controls and culture
- Briefings for leadership, legal counsel or Boards as required
Relevant experience
- Managed sexual assault investigations in remote mine site contexts
- Developed a gold theft reduction strategy with measurable financial recovery
- Established the security function at Newcrest Mining, including investigation capability
- Experience of human rights allegations involving security across multiple jurisdictions
Frequently asked questions
Why use an external investigator?
External investigators bring independence, specialist skills and distance from site relationships. That improves the quality and credibility of findings, especially in serious or sensitive matters.
Can you investigate at remote or international sites?
Yes. Our principal has worked in remote and high-risk locations across Australia, the Pacific, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
How do you protect confidentiality?
We limit information to those who need it, secure all records, and agree communication protocols with you at the outset. All enquiries are treated as confidential.
Do you work with our lawyers?
Yes. Many investigations are run under the direction of legal counsel, and we are comfortable working within that structure.