SYNERGY WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS · AUSTRALIA

Reportable conduct and school investigations

Careful enquiry in sensitive education environments.

Independent reportable conduct investigations and employment investigations for schools across Australia. We help school leaders examine sensitive allegations with attention to student wellbeing, procedural fairness and clear reporting.

Discuss your matter

Speak with our team · 1300 664 341

A CLEAR PATH FORWARD

Sensitive handling.
Clear investigation boundaries.

01   Clarify the concerns
02   Plan appropriate enquiries
03   Report reasoned findings

Education experience
Work across independent school settings.

Sensitive participation
Consider young people and families.

Clear responsibilities
Separate enquiry from school decisions.

Understanding the school environment

Workplace Investigations in Schools

Synergy has conducted investigations for independent education providers, including faith-based and flexible learning environments. Matters can involve staff, students, parents and school leadership.

Our experience includes reportable conduct concerns, student and parent complaints, workplace bullying, sexual harassment and other employment matters. Each requires a carefully defined scope and an appropriate approach to participation.

School leaders should identify applicable reporting and child protection requirements early. The investigation must be planned alongside those responsibilities, rather than treated as a substitute for them.

Relevant investigator experience

Matt Read brings experience in reportable conduct, education professional standards and child protection. His background includes service in the WA Police Child Protection Squad.

Corey Courtemanche has managed complex investigations across public, private and not-for-profit organisations, including child protection investigations for the Commission for Children and Young People.

We confirm the investigator’s suitability, availability, independence and required screening for each engagement.

Considerations before enquiries begin

A school investigation needs a clear plan for both fact-finding and the wellbeing of the people involved.

  • Identify the allegations and relevant records.
  • Consider immediate student and staff safety needs.
  • Confirm the jurisdiction, reporting responsibilities and any external involvement.
  • Agree appropriate arrangements for young people and their families.
  • Check investigator suitability, independence and required screening.
  • Plan communication and explain confidentiality limits.

HOW WE WORK

How school investigations are planned

01

Define the scope

Clarify the complaint, issues to investigate and reporting arrangements.

02

Plan participation

Consider the needs of students, staff and families before interviews.

03

Gather and assess

Examine records and accounts fairly, testing relevant competing evidence.

04

Report findings

Explain the evidence and conclusions within the agreed scope.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Before you get started

What types of school matters can you investigate?

Our work includes reportable conduct concerns, staff misconduct, workplace complaints and sensitive student or parent allegations. Discuss the specific circumstances so suitability and scope can be assessed.

Are requirements the same in every state?

No. Relevant child protection, reportable conduct and other requirements vary. Confirm the applicable framework and obtain specialist advice where needed.

Can a school employment complaint need a separate investigation?

Yes. An employment process may raise different questions from child protection or regulator enquiries. Those roles and any overlap should be clearly agreed.

How do we engage Synergy?

We offer an initial discussion with schools to consider the matter, proposed scope and an obligation-free cost estimate.

LET’S TALK THROUGH THE NEXT STEP

Discuss a school investigation with our team

Talk through the circumstances, participant needs and reporting requirements before the investigation begins.