Description

This workshop is recommended for people leaders, human resources, or labour relations practitioners who conduct investigations in their institutions. 

Every workplace investigation will be distinctive in its facts and circumstances; however, your organization should follow general guidelines and principles to mitigate damage and protect positive workplace relationships. Investigations play an essential role in addressing misconduct in the workplace. A clear investigation process ensures your employees know that you will treat all employees fairly. If conducted properly, investigations can help protect the institution's interests by appropriately identifying and responding to misconduct in a fair and unbiased manner. 

The workshop will be highly interactive and will include theory and hands-on practice in conducting an investigation. 

WORKSHOP GOALS 

Participants will be able to conduct a fair and objective investigation following a standardized process.

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand when investigations are necessary and when other approaches may be more suitable.
• Adhere to the duty of fairness, navigate rules of evidence, and move beyond "one person's word against another's".
• Master active listening, interview strategies, and crafting questions.
• Write a report that documents the findings.
• Use credibility assessments and statement analysis.
• Ensure an unbiased investigation process.

Facilitator(s):

Katie Cobban is the Executive Director of Legal and Sector Services with PSEA. Prior to joining PSEA in 2022, she worked within the post secondary sector at BCIT and as a labor and employment lawyer at Bull Housser and Tupper LLP. She has appeared at all levels of court and the provincial and federal labour board and human rights tribunal. Katie enjoys providing strategic legal advice on both simple and complex matters.

Sara Grujin has been Legal Counsel at PSEA since May 2025. Before joining PSEA, Sara was an Associate Labour Lawyer at Harris & Co LLP and served as a Labour Relations Lawyer at the Community Social Services Employers’ Association. In both roles, Sara effectively advised clients across various sectors on complex labour and human rights matters.

Her approach is client-focused and collaborative, yet she remains decisive and assertive when addressing high-stakes labour disputes. She prides herself on thorough analysis and creative problem-solving, striving to efficiently resolve conflicts while maintaining consistent labour relations.