staff investigation-fact finding interview

[Blysie]

I was given a letter by my main boss today from our investigation's department with above heading. Boss who as always been friendly in the past was quite moody and short with me. Taped Interview was for this week 12/06 08, but union rep rearranged it for next week so as he can attend with me. Been given a vague reference as to why they want to see me. I do not think I have not done any thing wrong but am worried sick. Is there any thing I should know or do. Feel quilty and I have not done any thing wrong. Can't be more detailed due to employer.

[Blysie]

Please any advice is better than none.

[MrShed]

Originally Posted by Blysie

Please any advice is better than none.

Not neccessarily true, but never mind.

An investigatory is nothing to worry about(IMO). It is not a disciplinary. It is the stage where they will decide if at disciplinary.

Impossible to say any more without knowing what has happened, and the "accusation", if any. If you do not feel like you can say so on the public forum, feel free to PM me - but bear in mind, I am by no means an HR expert.

[vonnie32]

I would take some advice from the union rep. but my understanding is at the Investigatory stage you do not have to say anything that might be self incriminating - ask for an ajournment if your unsure and run it by your rep.

A taped interview is a bit unusual though - is this normal practice in your line of work. ( I wish mine had been taped but that's just because the minute taken was so bad I had to re-write it myself).

[Blysie]

Thank you both very much for your replies I am feeling much better today I know I have not done any thing wrong so will just attend interview with uni rep and take it from there. Yesterday I was in a terrible state couldnt eat ect but this morning i decided to just go with the flow I was really nervous felt every one was talking about me but i just got on with my work. I work for the goverment

[vonnie32]

They might be asking you things that are not directly related to anything you have done wrong but maybe something a colleague has done, my hubby is a civil servant and he had to carry out a similar investigation recently - nothing came of it and it was merely to establish the facts of the matter.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Blysie]

I need advice on open close Question and Key words to look out for, such as inconsistencies meaning fraudulant.

[MrShed]

I dont think you should prepare like that. If you are confident youve done nothing wrong, jsut go in and answer questions honestly.

[Blysie]

Thank you vonnie I feel even more positive They word the letter in such a way that you do not know if they mean you or a colleague quite stressful really but like I said I am not going to stress out about it.

[Blysie]

I hear what you are saying but I have seen the way they interview people even the uni rep called them b****** but you do have a valid point I could end up worse off because I am over thinking everything.

[MrShed]

Yes...you will look more suspicious if you are seen to be second guessing the questions.

[Blysie]

I will let you know how I get on

Once again Thanks.

[Ell-enn]

Hi there, if it's any help to you - a member of my family works for the Home Office, he and several of his colleagues were sent letters from the investigation department regarding a fact finding interview. It turns out it was in relation to something one of their other colleagues was being accused of. They only wanted to know if he had seen or heard anything about it. These departments certainly know how to put the wind up their employees even when they know they have done nothing wrong!

Kind Regards

Ell-enn

[letshelp]

I am often surprised on this forum by the way that people attend these disciplinary meetings/investigation meetings and meekly answer questions put to them. I am aware of the, if you've nothing to hide, nothing to fear argument. These investigations sometimes hold the prospect of the interviewee being accused of a serious offence, that could cost them their job or even a criminal conviction.
For the most minor criminal offences, the suspect when interviewed by the Police, has the right of silence unless warned that inference may be taken from their refusal to answer questions.
Most of the interviews at disciplinary hearings, it seems assumed that the employee has to answer any questions put to them, they may be a 'fact finding investigation' or whatever else they wish to dress them up as, but the overall principle is that a person is innocent, until PROVEN guilty. You are under no obliation to prove your innocence or answer questions. Remember the company may pay your wages, but they don't own you.

[Blysie]

Thanks letshelp,

now I am feeling ****ed off with regards to the way in which the way my manager dealt with me on Monday, he was quite rude and abrupt to me i was in shock after reading up on the internet my boss has a duty of care towards me which he as failed to provide, I am so disappointed he made me feel quilty when we do not know what it is even about. A lot of good will goes in to my job which i will be withdrawing real soon.