Internal company investigations

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Expert solicitors to assist with complex corporate investigations

Primas Law’s highly experienced solicitors can help you navigate complex scenarios arising from company investigations.

A business may need to consider its legal position relating to circumstances that arise due to either internal or external factors, and this may require an internal investigation. There is no definitive list, but examples may include:

  • A whistle-blower report
  • Allegations of misconduct
  • Anonymous allegations
  • Discrepancies following a routine review of procedures
  • Contact from a regulator or law enforcement agency
  • Data protection breach or data request

 

Our team has extensive experience in assisting businesses with internal investigations including acting for listed companies, universities, private equity structures, charities and start-up businesses.

The government, regulators, employees and the general public expect businesses to engage in good corporate self-governance which now goes beyond criminal and regulatory conduct to encompass general culture and values. Any internal investigation needs to stand up to independent scrutiny which is why it is important to engage with specialist advisors.

Expert corporate investigations solicitors you can trust

Primas Law brings a wealth of experience in handling internal investigations for a broad range of businesses. 

Our expert legal team are proud to offer our clients a highly personalised service, led by senior solicitors. As a leading commercial and corporate law firm with offices nationwide across London, Liverpool, Cheshire and Manchester, quality is always our top priority. 

Find out more about how we can support your business today.

Contact us today

To talk about your situation

John Hartley heads up Primas’ Business Crime and Regulation department and has more than 20 years’ worth of experience working across a broad range of legal matters.

Workplace investigations

How can Primas Law help with internal investigations?

Our team will be able to provide early advice to set out the scope of work and the structure required for the investigation in the circumstances. Depending on the details of the situation, our expert solicitors may:

  • Advise on information barriers and the requirements to protect the integrity of any investigation.
  • Advise on the collection, preservation and management of any data that is relevant to the investigation. We have relationships data forensics experts who will assist where appropriate.
  • Advise in relation to the conducting of interviews and whether they are done so under caution.
  • Liaise with any external third parties such as law enforcement or regulatory body.

Any investigation which is carried out by our team is done with the utmost discretion and with minimum disruption to the day-to-day operations of the business. 

How to conduct internal investigations

Conducting an internal investigation requires a structured approach to ensure fairness and thoroughness. Legal advisors can help you to define the scope and purpose of the investigation, to ensure that all the necessary documentation and information is recorded.

Key personnel and resources will need to be identified, and ideally an impartial investigator or team will need to be appointed.

The internal investigation process will involve gathering relevant evidence, including documents, emails, and witness statements, so it’s crucial to ensure confidentiality throughout the process.

Interviews will need to be conducted with involved parties, asking open-ended questions to uncover facts and all findings will need to be documented meticulously.

After the evidence has been compiled and analysed, a comprehensive report will be required, which outlines conclusions and recommendations. Finally, appropriate actions based on the findings of the report will need to be implemented and the outcome of the report will need to be communicated to relevant stakeholders.

Internal investigations FAQs

Confidentiality is crucial in an internal investigation to protect the integrity of the process and the company’s reputation. It prevents information leaks that could lead to the concealment or destruction of evidence. Maintaining confidentiality is also important in case of future law enforcement involvement or legal actions, ensuring the investigation’s credibility and protecting those involved. Emphasizing the importance of confidentiality to everyone participating in the investigation helps safeguard its effectiveness and outcomes.

The duration of an internal investigation varies based on its complexity and scope. However, it’s essential to begin and conduct the investigation promptly once an issue is identified. Acting quickly allows for early identification of the correct course of action, whether determining the accuracy of the accusations, preventing further misconduct, taking remedial steps, or coordinating with external agencies. Prompt analysis is crucial to ensure a fair and effective resolution, benefiting all parties involved.

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