Under Investigation: Transforming Disciplinary Practice in the Workplace

While employee relations investigations are an important part of organisational practice for managing workplace issues, there is growing evidence of the significant harm they can cause to individuals being taken through them. This harm can also spread further to those involved in their delivery, as well as impacting organisational culture and reputation, leading to financial and economic harm.

Under Investigation proposes a shift in mindset that prioritises employee wellbeing alongside the application of the process, reducing potential harm and creating healthier work environments. Based on a programme of work and research within NHS Wales, it explores the wider impact of employee investigations, considers new approaches to applying disciplinary policy and includes a call to the human resources profession for change.

Andrew Cooper is the Head of Programmes for employee wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales. He holds an honorary research role with the University of Plymouth and is leading a programme of research exploring the impact of the disciplinary process on individuals and organisations. With a background in healthcare improvement and innovation, he has held senior communications roles across the private, public and voluntary sectors and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Public Relations for his contribution to healthcare communications.

Dr Adrian Neal is the Head of Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales and a Consultant Psychologist. Qualified in both clinical and business psychology, he leads a service providing psychological therapy for employees, consultation and support for teams and external organisations. He has worked across the public sector, including health, education, policing and government on employee experience and wellbeing initiatives. He has published widely and holds honorary roles with Cardiff and Plymouth universities and is a long-term member of the British Psychological Society’s Leadership and Management Faculty.