Investigations in Schools

We are experts in conducting reportable conduct and employment investigations in the private education sector

EXPERTS IN REPORTABLE CONDUCT MATTERS

We have an extensive track record conducting investigations into highly sensitive matters in school environments, having worked for some of Australia’s premier independent educators.

We understand the complexities of managing reportable conduct investigations and other types of complaints within primary and secondary education environments where young people and their parents are involved. Over the past 10 years, we have conducted numerous investigations all over Australia for a wide range of education providers from faith-based schools to flexi schools.

MANAGING INVESTIGATIONS IN SCHOOLS

Primary and secondary educational environments give rise to a variety of potential issues for investigation. Whether it’s conflict among teaching staff or the investigation of student and parent complaints, conducting enquiries within an environment frequented by young people prompts a unique set of considerations and a strong need for sensitivity, child-informed practice methodology, due process and confidentiality. It is also important that the investigator understands how to distinguish between criminal conduct, reportable allegations and those allegations that fall under general workplace laws and state regulations. Our investigators are skilled at conducting both reportable conduct investigations and employment investigations.

INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS IN SCHOOLS

When investigating serious allegations within schools, Synergy follows reportable conduct investigation methodology recommended by the various state and federal child protection authorities.

Depending on state laws, investigations into reportable conduct allegations must be carried out by an independent investigator, someone who is able to make an impartial assessment of the evidence and has the appropriate qualifications and working with children clearances. All of our education investigators have experience managing reportable conduct matters and are appropriately screened.

A reportable conduct investigation must apply the balance of probabilities as the standard of proof. In particular, the application of the ‘Briginshaw test’ from the case Briginshaw v Briginshaw (1938) CLR 336) which requires the following to be taken into account:

The seriousness of the allegation
The inherent likelihood of the allegations being true based on the evidence
The gravity of the consequences flowing from a particular finding.

BROAD EXPERIENCE

Over the past 10 years, we have conducted many different types of investigations within a wide variety of education environments. We’ve worked across a broad spectrum of education providers from remote schools in the Northern Territory to inner Sydney private schools.

Our experienced team has managed investigations into allegations of sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse by teachers against students, students sexually offending against other students, sexual relationships between teachers and students, extreme cases of student bullying along with employment investigations such as workplace bullying, sexual harassment and workplace conflict. We have also investigated cases in which students claim to have been victimised by teachers in terms of academic results, and where there may have been an incorrect application of the curriculum and poor academic record keeping in contravention of state regulations.

ENGAGING SYNERGY WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS

HOW TO GET STARTED

We can provide free consultations with schools about whether their matter requires independent investigation and how we can help.

If you’ve decided to engage an external investigator, please give us a call today to discuss your matter and get an obligation-free cost estimate. We are available to start at short notice if necessary.