What to expect at an Investigation interview

We understand that participating in an investigation can be a daunting prospect. We have put this guide together to reassure you about what to expect. There are also some Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page.

Before the interview begins, you will be welcomed by a polite, professional interviewer

It is in our interest that you are as comfortable as possible, as calm as possible, and that you have confidence in the interviewer. For that reason, the Investigator will introduce themselves, welcome you and explain clearly what is going to happen during the interview. The interviewer will treat you with respect at every stage of the interview process.

When the interview begins the first question you will be asked will be about you, your role, background and how you would like the interviewer to refer to you during the interview.

During the interview you will be asked open questions that are designed simply to understand what has happened

The job of the Investigator is to hear and understand your perspective as clearly as they can. It is absolutely not to 'catch you out' or 'trip you up'. At times the Investigator might put alternative perspectives to you, or ask for your view on what others have said, but this will always be for the purpose of making sure that your own perspective is recorded as clearly as it can be in the investigation report.

As you answer the questions, the interviewer will ask 'supplementary' questions based on your answers

The investigator will ask you questions about your answers, but these will only be to ensure that they have understood your answers. It might feel like the interviewer is challenging what you are saying, but that isn't what's happening. You may also hear the interviewer echo your answers back to you to check that they have understood correctly.

When you are speaking will see the Interviewer taking lots of handwritten notes

After your interview has finished, the interviewer will need to produce a written summary of the interview. It is for that reason that you will see the interviewer writing a lot. This also means that the interviewer will not be maintaining eye contact at all times, so don't let that distract you.

At the end of the interview you will be asked if there is anything else that you would like to add

This is important to know, as there may be things that you want the interviewer to know, but that doesn't come up in any of the specific questions you are asked. Before the interview ends, the interviewer will hand over to you to add anything else at all that you feel might be relevant.

After the interview you will be sent a draft summary of the interview for approval

After the interview, you will be sent a draft summary note of the interview. This is your opportunity to correct, amend or change anything that you would like to. The final version of this note will be appended to the investigation report as your contribution to the the investigation. For that reason, it is really important that you are happy with it.

Once you have agreed a final version of the note, it will be issued to you for digital signing through our DocuSign system. This also generate a final signed version for you to keep for your own records.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I become upset?

It is not unusual for people to become tearful or emotional during an interview. Sometimes, this takes the person by surprise but it is a perfectly normal and human response.

The investigator will follow your lead if you become upset. If you would like to take a break, that is fine. If you would like to continue through any tears, that is also fine. We want to do whatever will work best for you.

What happens if I want to take a break?

If you would like to take a 5 or 10 minute break at any point, just let the interviewer know and the answer will also be "yes". You will never be asked to explain why or justify a request for a break.

What happens if I might need to talk about things that I would not want to discuss with a man, or that I would not want to discuss with a woman?

Sometimes, investigations can involve discussions about sensitive topics such as sexual harassment, pornography or intimate relationships. Where this is the case, it is important that the conversations are precise and specific. This means that you may need to talk about body parts, sexual acts and physical contact. If you think that you might be uncomfortable talking in this way with a male interviewer please let us know in advance and we will arrange for one our female interviewers to speak to you. Equally, if you would feel more comfortable speaking to a man we can arrange for a male interviewer.

If you change your mind during the course of an interview that is absolutely fine too. We can simply adjourn the interview and reconvene with another interviewer.

Should I have a trade union representative with me at the interview?

Our advice is always that if you are a member of a trade union you should let them know what is happening and take their advice. Ultimately, it is for you to decide whether you want a trade union representative with you, but you should speak to them and take their view before deciding.

Can I have a friend, family member or lawyer with me at interview?

Because we conduct investigations on behalf of other organisations (most likely your employer) we work within their policies. In almost every case policies limit who can be a companion at interview to either a trade union representative or workplace colleague. However, if you would feel more comfortable with somebody else as your companion let us know and we can put your request to the organisation we are undertaking the investigation for.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please speak to your Twin Kingdom contact, or email the office at info@twin-kingdom.com