1. HR investigations
(a) On how many occasions did the council commission external personnel or companies to undertake HR investigations (e.g. grievance, disciplinary, whistleblowing, etc) involving council employees during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years?
2020/21:
Two separate investigators. One did three disciplinary investigations. One did a disciplinary and a whistle blowing.
2021/22:
One investigator for a grievance investigation.
(b) What was the average cost per investigation to the council for those conducted in FY 2020/21 and FY 2021/22?
We do not hold this information
(c) Through which routes does the council commission external personnel or companies to undertake these HR investigations?
There is no set route, it will depend upon the subject of the investigation
(d) Does the council require these external personnel or companies to have any specific professional registrations or licences? If so, please state which.
It will depend upon the subject of the investigation
2. Complaint investigations
(a) On how many occasions did the council commission external personnel or companies to investigate complaints from members of the public, customers or service users during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years?
2020/21 – 14
2021/22 – 37
(b) What was the average cost per investigation to the council for those conducted in FY 2020/21 and FY 2021/22?
2020/21 – £3810
2021/22 – £2974
(c) Through which routes does the council commission external personnel or companies to undertake these complaints investigations?
External investigators are self-employed individuals with the appropriate background and skills. They become known to us through various routes including recommendations from other Local Authorities, or approaching us direct.
(d) Does the council require these external personnel or companies to have any specific professional registrations or licences? If so, please state which
No.