Workplace Investigator – AR

London Borough of Tower Hamlets; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Tower Hamlets Council is seeking an experienced Workplace Investigator to join the HR & Organisational Development team in London. You will independently manage complex, sensitive investigations into disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing and safeguarding matters, ensuring fairness, compliance with employment law and ACAS guidance.

In this role you will gather evidence, interview witnesses, assess documents and produce thorough, evidence-based reports.

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent HR qualification or equivalent professional knowledge.
• Significant experience managing complex Employee Relations cases.
• Experience personally conducting formal workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, ACAS guidance and procedures.
• Experience interviewing witnesses and analysing evidence.
• Experience producing detailed investigation reports and presenting findings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex workplace investigations, including disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing and safeguarding cases.
• Independently gather, review and assess documentary evidence, witness statements and employee accounts.
• Conduct formal investigatory interviews with employees, managers and witnesses.
• Prepare detailed, impartial investigation reports outlining evidence, findings and recommendations.
• Assess conflicting evidence and reach balanced conclusions based on probabilities.
• Present investigation findings at formal disciplinary and grievance hearings.
• Ensure investigations comply with employment legislation, ACAS guidance and council policies.
• Identify organisational risks and recommend improvements to HR policies and practices.
• Provide guidance, coaching and quality assurance support to managers involved in investigations.
• Work with HR, legal services, trade unions and other relevant professionals.

Skills

HR experience

Investigation skills

Witness interviewing

Report writing

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPD Level 5

HR qualification

Job description

Workplace Investigator

Location: Tower Hamlets Council
Directorate: Chief Executives - HR & Organisational Development
Grade: K

Job Overview

Tower Hamlets Council is looking for an experienced Workplace Investigator to join its HR and Organisational Development team.

This is a specialist Employee Relations role, responsible for independently managing complex, sensitive and high-risk workplace investigations. You will investigate formal disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing, conduct and safeguarding matters, ensuring all investigations are fair, impartial and compliant with employment legislation, council policies and ACAS guidance.

You will play an important role in ensuring investigations are thorough, evidence-based and completed to a high professional standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex workplace investigations, including disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing and safeguarding cases.
• Independently gather, review and assess documentary evidence, witness statements and employee accounts.
• Conduct formal investigatory interviews with employees, managers and witnesses.
• Prepare detailed, impartial investigation reports outlining evidence, findings and recommendations.
• Assess conflicting evidence and reach balanced conclusions based on the balance of probabilities.
• Present investigation findings at formal disciplinary and grievance hearings.
• Ensure investigations comply with employment legislation, ACAS guidance and council policies.
• Identify organisational risks and recommend improvements to HR policies, procedures and working practices.
• Provide guidance, coaching and quality assurance support to managers and colleagues involved in workplace investigations.
• Work closely with HR, legal services, trade unions and other relevant professionals.

Essential Experience and Requirements

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent HR qualification, or equivalent professional knowledge and experience.
• Significant experience managing complex Employee Relations cases.
• Demonstrable experience personally conducting formal workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, ACAS guidance and disciplinary and grievance procedures.
• Experience interviewing witnesses and gathering and analysing evidence.
• Experience producing detailed investigation reports and presenting findings at formal hearings.
• Experience working with trade unions and employee representatives.
• Formal workplace investigation training.
• Strong communication, report-writing and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters objectively and professionally.

Additional Information

• This role does not require a DBS check.
• The post is not politically restricted.
• Flexibility is required to attend meetings and hearings across council locations.
• Occasional evening hearings or appeal meetings may be required.
• Commitment to continuous professional development is expected.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced HR or Employee Relations professional with a strong background in complex workplace investigations, ideally within a local authority or public-sector environment.

You will be confident managing sensitive cases independently, challenging poor practice where necessary and producing robust investigation reports that support fair and consistent employment decisions.