Investigations are, unfortunately, a fact of life for many charities. We’ve learned through experience that it’s important for charities to have a plan in place, as well as a thorough and objective process that will stand up to scrutiny and minimise the risks to your charity.

The circumstances that can prompt investigations can vary widely. There could be a complaint or an allegation of wrongdoing, or a query from the board. It may relate to something quite recent, or events that may have happened a long time ago.

Whatever the context, we know that investigations can seem overwhelming, with plenty of bear traps along the way. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start and what to consider.

We’ve prepared a short guide outlining some of the key points to consider, including:

  • Setting the scope
  • Record keeping
  • Data protection
  • Confidentiality
  • Reporting requirements
  • Reputational issues
  • Professional support