Who We Are

SOLUTION FOCUSED INVESTIGATION TEAM

Our expert team of workplace investigators, legal advisors, organisational psychologists and workplace mediators has decades of combined experience having worked in a wide range of government and private sector environments. We use a collaborative approach to ensure the investigation of your case benefits from a cross section of disciplines, also drawing from your in-depth knowledge of your organisation and the people that work within it.

Our Team Can Mobilise Quickly for a Prompt Start to Resolving You Matter

We understand the importance of prompt efficiency when complaints have been made. That’s why you can rely on Synergy Workplace Investigations to be ready to listen and deal with your matter at short notice. We are available for the first briefing within 24 hours and ready to commence your workplace investigation immediately after. Our expert team members are available for free consultations any time.

Learn what do to Getting Started or Contact Us

Personalised Service – You’re More than a Case Number

Synergy is a boutique firm which means you’re not just a case number, you’re a highly valued partner and you’ll be treated accordingly. When you contact us, you get to speak to an expert straight away – no automated switchboards and no sitting on hold or leaving messages. You get to deal with the same person every time you call, someone who knows your business and understands your matter.

LOCAL TEAM. WORLD CLASS RESULTS.

GLEN THOMASEN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Glen looks after daily operations at Synergy Workplace Investigations, developing and implementing growth strategy while ensuring the company conducts all of its business activities in compliance with legal, regulatory and company policy, controls and standards. Glen is also an experienced investigator with an extensive background in surveillance and factual investigation. Glen uses his experience to advise and assist our workplace investigators when required. Glen is committed to positioning Synergy as an industry leader in workplace investigations and mediation.

Private Inquiry Licence 40791

NATALIE THOMASEN

OPERATIONS MANAGER / INVESTIGATOR

Member Association of Workplace Investigators (Australia), Mental Health First Aid trainer

Natalie has an extensive investigative background both as a journalist and private investigator. Natalie was a print journalist for 7 years before moving into the field of investigative services. Natalie combines her investigative experience and advanced interviewing, report writing and research skills with nine years field experience as a surveillance and factual investigator. Natalie has recently begun providing specialist Public Interest Disclosure support.

JEFF RAFTERY

WORKPLACE INVESTIGATOR

Jeff has over 30 years of investigation experience in government as a member of the New South Wales Police Force and within the private sector as a Senior Investigator servicing a Commonwealth contract at an Australian Government offshore facility.

Jeff has also delivered Diploma level investigations training to Commonwealth and State entities including the Australian Taxation Office, Comcare, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Australian Skills Quality Authority.

IAN GRIFFITHS

WORKPLACE INVESTIGATOR

Ian has more than 20 years experience conducting workplace investigations for large corporate organisations in both Australia and the UK, including many publicly listed companies such as Amazon, Coles Group, Specialty Fashion Group, Next (UK) and on behalf of Telstra at Vita Group. Ian has also managed the investigation, risk and loss prevention functions for some of these organisations.

Ian holds a degree in Business Management and numerous VET qualifications in investigations and security and risk management.

Ian has advanced non-confrontational interview skills and is certified in the Wicklander and Zulawski interview and interrogation method.

CHRIS RICE

WORKPLACE INVESTIGATOR

Chris is qualified investigator with over 25 years’ experience working in the community services and Not for Profit sector in Australia, having worked in roles from direct care through to senior management and board positions with organisations that provide disability, allied health, mental health and aged care services. Chris’s work has also included working with government departments to roll out new legislative requirements for service providers.

Chris has extensive experience investigating workplace complaints, customer complaints, service incident and injury cases, ministerial initiated complaints and carrying out surveillance. Most recently, Chris has commenced providing investigative services to correctional facilities for the Department of Justice and Attorney General as an Official Visitor.

ELLEN BALKE PhD

DISPUTE RESOLUTION / COACHING

Ellen specialises in facilitating sustainable business change and growth for both small and large global organisations.

Over the past 23 years her expertise has delivered proven increases in efficiency and effectiveness for clients in industry sectors including Oil and Gas (BP), Telecommunications (Huawei & Telstra), Mining (Bechtel), Construction (Withey Group & Lend Lease), Banking and Financial Services, (KPMG, Santander, Deutsche Bank & Bank of England), Leisure and Government.

Ellen has a PhD in Multi Stakeholder Decision Making and Negotiation from the London School of Economics, a Psychology Degree and Masters Degree in Social Psychology.

WE’RE RECRUITING

Synergy Workplace Investigations provided a timely, cost effective and thorough service. The professionalism from start to finish was exemplary.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER • ADVENTIST SCHOOLS VICTORIA

Natalie has undertaken several complex and challenging investigations for Sunstate Cement, delivering outcomes that have the highest integrity. She is fair, rigorous and a stickler for due process, professional and approachable at the same time and keeps us well informed throughout the process and provides comprehensive reports upon completion. We have no hesitation in recommending Natalie of Synergy Investigation and would be more than happy to engage her services if a future need arises

Rajeev Ramankutty - General Manager, Sunstate Cement