{"id":1577,"date":"2014-01-23T08:56:08","date_gmt":"2014-01-23T07:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sjbealehrconsult.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1577"},"modified":"2014-01-30T13:31:34","modified_gmt":"2014-01-30T12:31:34","slug":"good-lord-the-case-for-conducting-a-thorough-sexual-harassment-investigation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sjbealehrconsult.co.uk\/blog\/good-lord-the-case-for-conducting-a-thorough-sexual-harassment-investigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Good Lord! The Case for Conducting A Thorough Sexual Harassment Investigation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"sexual<\/a>

“Image courtesy of Ambro \/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net”<\/p><\/div>\n

The case of Lord Rennard, a key figure in the Lib Dems party, accused of alleged sexual harassment shows the importance of conducting a thorough sexual harassment investigation and carefully managing the fall out from what is often a very fraught situation. \u00a0This is particularly difficult for the Lib Dems as Lord Rennard\u00a0is a high profile figure in the party having been inaugural in its creation.<\/p>\n

The outcome from the investigation concluded there was insufficient evidence to show that Lord Rennard did actually sexually harassment three women as they claimed despite the adage that given there are three complainants there could be no smoke without fire…..<\/p>\n

Initially it seemed that Nick Clegg wasn’t going to take much action, but now seems to have bowed to external pressure. \u00a0Lord Rennard\u00a0has been asked to apologise to the women concerned and has refused to do so; he has therefore been suspended from the political party and is seeking legal action. \u00a0Now the Lib Dems are conducting a further investigation into Lord Rennard allegedly bringing the party into disrepute for failing to apologise. This allegation is usually considered to be gross misconduct and carries the penalty of summary dismissal if proven on the balance of probabilities.<\/p>\n

With any sexual harassment investigation it is important to conduct the process as quickly and as sensitively as possible. \u00a0\u00a0Inadequate handling of a situation in employment can lead to a resignation claiming constructive dismissal and discrimination in an employment tribunal. \u00a0Many people are reluctant to make a formal complaint in the workplace and it takes courage, so when they do so, the matter needs to be handled well. \u00a0Any complaint should be in writing as a grievance for the employer to take action. \u00a0Thought needs to be given as to handling the personalities involved. \u00a0If the individuals work closely together it might be necessary to put both parties on garden leave whilst an investigation is completed. \u00a0Support and counselling should be available for both parties.<\/p>\n

If there are no witnesses to the allegation it is really important to evaluate the evidence gained. Consideration should be given to how detailed is the evidence for each individual, what is\u00a0the conduct of the individuals and their willingness to contribute responses when asked, are there any discrepancies and can these be investigated further, are there\u00a0any explanations for particular inconsistencies in evidence reasonable, are the explanations credible in the context in which they are given, does\u00a0any explanation given by an individual detract from their evidence, have there been other complaints, etc. \u00a0It can often be difficult to prove either way with one person’s word against another. \u00a0Circumstantial evidence may need to be used.<\/p>\n

The full facts in the form of witness statements should be gathered from the complainant, the alleged perpetrator and any witnesses. \u00a0The interviews should be conducted sensitively and confidentially and the witness statements should be signed and dated.<\/p>\n

If the complaint is not upheld the complainant needs to be advised of the right to appeal.<\/p>\n

The main issues following an investigation are then reintegration and a possible backlash. \u00a0HR may lead on reintegration or alternatively it can be a manager. Generally it should be the alleged harasser who should be relocated rather than the complainant, however, this could be difficult in a small company. \u00a0Mediation might be a useful alternative to reduce conflict.<\/p>\n

It is important to watch out for any backlash if relocation is not possible. \u00a0If the alleged harasser is in a position of power there might be unfavourable treatment of the complainant, which is victimisation, a form of discrimination for having raised a complaint and pursuable in an employment tribunal.<\/p>\n

Having clear policies in place that cover equal opportunities and harassment are essential to provide clear guidelines to all employees as to how they should conduct themselves in the workplace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The case of Lord Rennard, a key figure in the Lib Dems party, accused of alleged sexual harassment shows the importance of conducting a thorough sexual harassment investigation and carefully managing the fall out from what is often a very fraught situation. \u00a0This is particularly difficult for the Lib Dems as Lord Rennard\u00a0is a high […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[79,144],"tags":[410,411],"class_list":["post-1577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-harassment","category-investigation","tag-lord-rennard-harassment","tag-sexual-harassment-investigation"],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nGood Lord - The Case for Conducting A Thorough Sexual Harassment Investigation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It is important to conduct a A Thorough Sexual Harassment Investigation and manage the fall out appropriately as the Lord Rennard case is showing.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sjbealehrconsult.co.uk\/blog\/good-lord-the-case-for-conducting-a-thorough-sexual-harassment-investigation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Good Lord - 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