We also have experience representing employees who are the subject of an investigation by their professional or trade body.  For example, the Teaching Council, Psychologists Board, Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, or others.

Rice Craig’s Special Counsel, Rani Amaranathan, has successfully attended the Association of Workplace Investigators Training Institute.  She holds the Association’s Certificate in international best practice investigations.  Rani has more than 25 years of experience in employment law.  She has lived in South Auckland most of her life and worked in South Auckland for 15 years. 

The nature of workplace investigations means they require care and sensitivity when dealing with both the complainant and respondent as well as the witnesses.  We are able to ensure investigations are carried out in a respectful manner and also offer deep knowledge of our local South Auckland environment  – its businesses, its people and its workplaces.

Rice Craig has been providing legal services to clients in South Auckland for 100 years.  We act for a wide range of our local community, both rural and urban, from small businesses to schools and large corporates, from junior to senior employees, and not for profit organisations.

Whatever aspect of an investigation we are assisting with, we will work to ensure the following:

1. That clear terms of reference are established.  The allegations should be properly identified, whether they relate to bullying, discrimination, harassment, misappropriation of funds or property or other workplace issues.   This determines what will be investigated and ensures the findings are useful.
2. That the investigation is conducted in an impartial, fair and respectful manner. 
3. That evidence is gathered sensitively and in a robust way, from witnesses, documents and other relevant information.
4. That the evidence is appropriately weighed and credibility properly assessed.
5. That clear and reasoned findings of fact are reported at the end of the investigation.
6. That the investigation is carried out in a timely manner.

We have received positive feedback from clients we have helped with tricky investigations:

“Thank you so much for all of your work here, I feel proud to have stuck to my guns to fight it with your support” (from a client who made a workplace complaint which was investigated)

Thank you so much in finishing off this case for me, you have been wonderful throughout this whole ordeal (from a client who successfully defended disciplinary proceedings by her professional body)

Thank you so much for your help and guidance throughout the process. It is such a relief that this issue has reached a favourable conclusion (from a client facing disciplinary investigation by her professional body).

Feel free to get in touch if you would like assistance with a workplace investigation.  Whether it relates to potential misconduct, harassment, bullying, discrimination or breach of workplace or professional rules or policies, we look forward to discussing your situation with you.