Teesdale Workplace Investigations

What do we investigate?

We investigate a wide range of issues, including:

• Bullying
• Sexual harassment
• Other types of serious misconduct such as misappropriation, intellectual property breaches and conflicts of interest 
• General employment relationship problems
• Misconduct or performance issues.
• Health and Safety issues.

We are also engaged to review aspects of workplace culture to find out what’s really going on.

Why engage us?

We provide:

• An independent approach, free from in-house politics and bias;
• Immediate response to deal with your issue;
• Professional and comprehensive investigation processes;
• Commitment to the principles of natural justice;
• Sound judgment in reaching findings of fact based on many years of experience
• A comprehensive written report;
• A focus on getting the task completed without delay;
• More time for you to focus on your key responsibilities;
• All at a cost effective price.

What do we do?

Once you provide us with the terms of reference for an investigation, our role is ascertain the facts of the particular situation and prepare a full written report.

Armed with our independent report, you can decide on the proper course of action with confidence.

We do not decide on whether or not disciplinary action should be taken – that is your decision.

We also provide training on the conduct of investigations.

How do we work?

Our process is driven by client requirements, but typically involves the investigator:

• Receiving the terms of reference and any documentation relevant to the investigation
• Developing a plan for the conduct of the investigation.
• Gathering any other documentary evidence that may be relevant.
• Interviewing the complainant(s) and any other witnesses, usually face to face but could be by Skype or VC. Interviews are recorded, then transcribed.
• Providing the information gathered to the respondent and the complainant.
• Interviewing the respondent and any other relevant witnesses.
• Providing the information gathered to the respondent and the complainant.
• Analysing the information collected to make findings of fact.
• Providing a draft report to the complainant and respondent.
• Inviting the complainant and respondent to review and comment on the draft report
• Preparing the final report for the client and providing copies to the complainant and respondent.

Then you decide what disciplinary action, if any, is justified.

Team

We are a team of professional investigators, with significant experience across all business sectors.  We are members of the American Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI).  

Justine O’Connell

Justine is a very experienced workplace investigator. She holds a license as a Private Investigator issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority; and is a certificate holder of the American Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI).

She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from University of Canterbury before starting her career in the Department of Corrections then the Ministry of Justice, with a stint in the BBC in London.  

Over the last 20 years Justine has consulted to a wide variety of private and public sector clients. In recent years she has focused on workplace investigations and was one of the first in NZ to become a member of AWI.  With a significant number of investigations and workplace reviews successfully completed, Justine is recognized for her integrity, commitment to the principles natural justice, interpersonal skills and insightful analysis.

justineo@teesdaleassociates.com or 021 920 410.

Michelle Battersby

Michelle is an experienced senior leader and manager with a diverse background in industrial and people related matters within large and complex global organisations. She is an experienced and trusted HR/ER advisor who builds effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels and works collaboratively with the wider team to accomplish goals and ensure continued business success.

Michelle holds a license as a Private Investigator issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Waikato   

Prior to joining Teesdale Associates, Michelle's previous experience included senior management roles in Cathay Pacific Airways Limited as South West Pacific HR and Employee Relations Manager, Global HR and Employee Relations Manager, and Senior Programme Manager (being based in Hong Kong for the last two roles) and roles in Air New Zealand as Senior Manager Cabin Crew, General Manager Operations Tandem Travel, and Global Contact Centre Manager.

michelleb@teesdaleassociates.com or 021 993 735

Tony Teesdale

Tony has spent a lifetime dealing with workplace performance and behaviour issues and the associated investigations and disciplinary processes.  

He graduated with a BSc degree from the University of Auckland before undertaking senior ER management roles in the forestry and construction industries.  

Over the last 30 years he has consulted to a wide range of organisations in both the private and public sectors. In an investigator role, Tony’s disciplined approach, personable style, determination and strong focus on the detail enables him to achieve superior results.

tonyt@teesdaleassociates.com or 021 920 323