Client
Further Education Organisation.
Issue
The Signal consultant was asked to conduct an investigation into claims of bullying and harassment.
Action
The terms of reference were set. After writing an extensive grievance, the complainant was subsequently reluctant to engage in the investigation. The Signal consultant spent time with the complainant explaining the investigation process and structuring their expectations about what an investigation will achieve.
Findings
The complainant reveals in much broader terms than described in their grievance their perception of what is happening at work, breakdown in communications, misunderstanding/miscommunication of expectations, difficulty coping with change. Their assessment of what is happening is beyond the scope of the investigation and possibly affects many other people.
The Signal consultant tests out what the complainant wants, whether they have fully explored different approaches and means of resolving the situation. The complainant seems open to mediation and other improvement interventions.
The Signal Consultant meets informally with the respondent to get their perspective on what is happening, testing their receptiveness to mediation and other interventions to resolution and improvement in overall relationships in the team.
Outcome
Whilst the complainant still has the right to proceed with their complaint via investigation, the preferred approach on all sides is mediation and facilitated team work intervention to improve working relationships and focus on team performance. Along with experienced Senior Investigators, Signal is able to provide experienced, qualified mediators and team builders to facilitate this resolution.
To learn more of this case study, please email: enquiries@signalconsulting.co.uk.