Investigations

MHPS Investigation

We carried out a sensitive investigation for a major acute NHS Trust into a consultant surgeon about whom the Trust had a variety of serious concerns, under Maintaining High Professional Standards. As the concerns encompassed both non-clinical and clinical concerns, we liaised with an expert in the same specialty, interviewing the expert where clinical input was required and producing a detailed report clearly identifying the facts and applicable standards and drawing the two together to enable the Case Manager to determine how to proceed. We made a number of practical systems recommendations and provided joined up legal advice to the Case Manager on procedural requirements of MHPS.

The Trust fed back that this complex case had been "investigated thoroughly and with sensitivity. [We] appropriately managed the interaction with staff and the Medical Defence Union. Recommendations put forward were pragmatic, enabling an effective resolution to the issue."

Fraud Investigation

We advised a housing association in connection with highly sensitive allegations of fraud and misconduct in relation to the procurement of a large contract with a supplier. We advised on the appropriate investigation and disciplinary procedures to be followed to reduce the risk of successful employment tribunal claims; and the cross over between the investigation by the external auditors, which was also being used to determine the strategy for any civil action to recover monies from the staff or the supplier, and the client’s internal employment processes. Our advice also addressed challenges from staff and their solicitors; the potential for recovery of monies; protecting the client’s reputation; audit considerations; as well as the termination of employment and the negotiation and conclusion of settlement agreements. Our support included drafting robust and practical advice and options/risks papers which the Chief Executive could use to brief the Board.

Investigation of CEO

We appointed an investigator from our HR associates network to conduct an extremely sensitive investigation into allegations against the CEO of an SME company, made by a senior employee who was leaving.  The investigator worked under our close supervision on the instructions of the Chairman and the Remuneration Committee.  The outcome was carefully managed and led to an agreed exit of the CEO without disruption to the client's business nor any damaging external PR.  The client was very pleased with the work of the investigator and our support.