Australian workplaces, like our communities, are becoming more culturally diverse. About 350 languages are spoken in Australia, with almost a quarter of all residents speaking a language other than English at home1. Therefore, there is a high likelihood investigators will face language barriers in the conduct of their work. This will impact how they gather […]
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that trauma-informed principles only need to be front of mind during complainant interviews involving allegations of sexual harassment. In practice, we find that trauma-informed interviewing techniques can be helpful in any emotionally charged interview, including interviews with witnesses and respondents. Trauma-informed techniques are especially applicable
Interviewing with sensitivity: 10 trauma-informed interviewing techniques Read More »
“Time for respect: Fifth national survey on sexual harassment in Australian workplaces” was released by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins last week, giving us a clear message that rates of sexual harassment in our workplaces remain unacceptably high. The Report shows that one in three people experienced workplace sexual harassment in the past five
As workplace investigators, our role is to make findings of fact. Every interviewee brings their own unique cultural perspective and interpretation of the facts to an interview. In being respectful, understanding, and responsive to all interviewees’ cultural backgrounds we can ensure they are fully understood, interviews are more productive, fair and achieve more effective fact-finding.
Ten tips for a culturally responsive interview Read More »
A recent FWC decision comments on what it takes to be a workplace investigator Key characteristics for a workplace investigator have been described in a recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) unfair dismissal case. A male employee lodged an unfair dismissal claim after being sacked for making a sexually offensive comment to colleagues, and for repeating
What it takes to be a workplace investigator: ‘Wilting flowers’ need not apply Read More »