Provision of External Investigation Casework Support to the Office for Nuclear Regulation

In accordance with employment law and ACAS guidance there are occasions when ONR need to call on external investigators to carry out an independent investigation into a formal complaint made by a member of staff.

Our investigations are covered by the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, and our own HR policies and processes. These occasions are rare but over the past 2 years we have had several rather complex formal casework issues relating to bullying & harassment claims and complaints where an independent investigation has provided assurance to all those involved that the investigation is being carried out outside of the organisation by external professionals. This ensures the investigation is carried out effectively and also means that we do not need to take any staff away from important front-line work to carry out the investigation.

Also, if the case reaches an employment tribunal, we will be able to provide assurance to the employment tribunal judge that we carried out the investigation in a fair and independent manner for all those involved.

The successful Service Provider will provide, as a minimum, the following services :

• Investigations to be carried out by HR professionals (or equivalent)

• Experience of providing independent investigation services to other organisations in accordance with ACAS and CIPD guidance

• A Timeline for all investigations to be produced before investigation starts

• Regular updates to be provided to the ONR HR Casework Manager

• Detailed report to be produced at end of investigation

• Investigation to include taking witness statements

• Investigation to be carried out in line with ACAS guidance and ONR's HR processes

• Maintain confidentiality at all times