Lack of evidence is the biggest barrier impacting investigations into malpractice and wrongdoing within the workplace, according to new data from Safecall, the independent whistleblowing services provider.
The research revealed that insufficient evidence was a key barrier for 81% of workplaces, followed by time constraints, which impact nearly two-thirds (64%) of those conducting investigations. Inconsistent witness statements (57%), lack of cooperation (50%), conflicts of interest (47%) and legal or regulatory changes (24%) make up the other key barriers which complicate investigations..
The effects of these challenges are further amplified by the lack of fully trained or dedicated investigation teams within a business. Less than two-in-five (39%) companies actually have fully trained investigators, whereas a similar number (41%) have some investigators who are fully trained, but not all. Concerningly, a quarter (25%) of businesses have investigators who are not trained at all. Additional research from Law Debenture, the leading independent professional services provider, also found that more than one-in-ten (11%) employees do not know how to report misconduct – highlighting the lack of clear processes amongst some businesses.
Despite the lack of training, three-quarters (74%) of businesses have not used an external investigator, which could be a telling factor in why companies face struggles in relation to investigations. Two-thirds (66%) of businesses have had investigations which have missed deadlines or key milestones, and a third (31%) are not happy with the timescales of investigations. Despite this, more than half (52%) of businesses do not revisit training for investigators, which, coupled with time constraints, means that many whistleblowing cases are not being investigated properly – despite the fact that 74% of reports are internal.
Joanna Lewis, Managing Director of Safecall, commented: “This research is troubling; a worrying amount of whistleblowing cases are not getting the attention and expertise they require.
“Time constraints and a lack of dedicated or trained investigators are having a severely adverse effect on a business’ ability to properly carry out an investigation, which will be having an impact on everything from the performance to the culture of a company. Not having the time is not a sufficient reason not to look into reports of malpractice or wrongdoing. Businesses need to ensure they have a clear and defined process in place, as well as fully trained investigators.
“Using an external provider can ensure a full-time, dedicated team of investigators are assigned to a case, removing the burden from businesses. As well as making sure every report is assessed and investigated thoroughly, it also takes out the risk of an employee losing anonymity or fearing repercussions of submitting a report – something which continues to hamper effective whistleblowing.”
