
Explore types of internal investigations, including undercover, research, financial, electronic, and corruption investigations, and learn when to pursue covert versus overt approaches.
Identify misconduct and protect shareholders by conducting a thorough, independent internal investigation when credible information exists, whether or not specific accusations exist, to uncover violations and improve controls.
Assess the initiation phase of internal investigations, weighing whether to start, safeguarding confidentiality, and deciding when to retain external investigators or lawyers.
Emphasize confidentiality of investigation information, evaluate fresh information against existing data, credit reliable witnesses, avoid leaks and gossip, and follow media liaison protocols to protect identities.
Establish facts promptly through confidential data gathering and pre-investigation interviews, use case management to coordinate actions, and prepare a legally informed decision on appropriate employment actions.
Begin with the initial suspicion and information gathering after a complaint, protect confidentiality, and conduct an impartial, prompt investigation using proper protocols, interviews, and external expertise when needed.
Develop a flexible, concrete internal investigation plan defining goals, scope, timeline, sources, and reporting methods, including custodians, search terms, interviews, and organization preparation.
Adapt resources through a modular, coordinated approach with external experts and project managers for efficient internal investigations. Use data analysis, e-discovery, and document review to cut costs and ensure compliance.
Explore the core principles of evidence in internal investigations, including types, sources, fact versus opinion, hearsay avoidance, and chain of custody, while ensuring evidence reliability and thorough management.
Orchestrates the collection, review, and preservation of documents, data, and other physical evidence through a document retention plan, hold notices, and targeted interviews to safeguard investigation integrity.
Explore electronic records and the admissibility of digital evidence, covering authenticity and reliability, with examples from emails, WhatsApp, hard disks, call records, tapes, photos, CDs, and bank statements.
Plan interviews and determine respondents by sequencing interviews, preparing detailed outlines, reviewing documents, and considering witness state and surroundings to elicit truthful, well-supported information.
Master interview dynamics to gather information quickly while maintaining control of the discussion. Persuade the witness to respond in the desired manner to questions and keep emotions in check.
Explore how interviews drive investigations, from planning and creating a welcoming atmosphere to asking questions for information gathering and admission-seeking interviews, reviewing facts, and maintaining confidentiality.
Articulate a clear, comprehensive investigative report that reflects the investigation, sparks action, records steps, informs control and preventative measures, and supports legal action while avoiding unnecessary detail.
Explore the essential characteristics of a good report, including precision, accuracy, relevance, simple language, and clear presentation that answer who, what, when, where, why, how, and how much.
Outline the reporting phase, detailing the report’s purpose, structure, and key elements such as background and executive summary. Maintain a paper trail and communicate findings to complainants and the accused.
Review existing processes and procedures after an investigation, analyze facts and evidence in a comprehensive report, identify method flaws, and implement immediate corrective actions under relevant policies.
Implement a centralized records management system by applying retention schedules, classification, and policies to securely store, search, and dispose of investigation records with audit support and automation.
Close out investigations with thorough follow-up steps and communicate closure to all parties. Update internal controls and review policies to prevent future issues, documenting communications and safeguarding confidentiality.
This course is meticulously designed for HR, Employee Relations, Ethics, and Compliance professionals tasked with the critical responsibility of conducting internal investigations within organizations. Through seven in-depth modules, learners will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for organizing, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and report writing, all essential components in the investigation of workplace complaints such as harassment, discrimination, or ethics violations. Equip yourself to manage investigations effectively and uphold integrity within your workplace.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Module 1: Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Foundation
Dive into the foundational aspects of internal investigations, covering what constitutes an internal investigation, the types, triggers, and mechanisms of conducting one effectively. This module also provides a thorough overview of legal considerations and internal policy requirements.
Module 2: Initial Suspicion And Initial Information Gathering
Learn the critical first steps in response to initial suspicions, including the principles of confidentiality, initial investigative methods, and the importance of assuming suspicions are true for the sake of the investigation. Explore hypothesis development, fact establishment, and when to seek external support, complemented by a practical case study.
Module 3: Planning An Internal Investigation
This module guides you through developing a comprehensive investigation plan, defining goals, scope, timeline, and team roles. Learn how to address potential operational issues, establish authority lines, and prepare your organization for the investigation process through detailed planning and resource allocation.
Module 4: Collection and Evaluation of Evidence
Focus on the principles of collecting and evaluating evidence, understanding the difference between types of evidence, and managing the chain of custody. This module emphasizes the authenticity, veracity, and reliability of evidence, teaching you to distinguish between fact and opinion and handle evidence correctly.
Module 5: Interviews In Internal Investigations
Delve into the art of conducting interviews during investigations, distinguishing between information-gathering and admission-seeking interviews. Learn how to plan and prepare interview questions, perform interviews effectively, and observe and listen for crucial insights. The module concludes with strategies for post-interview document collection and review.
Module 6: Report Writing
Master the skill of report writing in internal investigations, understanding the purpose, structure, and presentation of evidence within a report. Learn the characteristics of a good report and how to conclude and communicate your findings effectively.
Module 7: Concluding the Internal Investigation
Learn what steps to take after an investigation is concluded, including updating internal controls, reviewing existing processes and procedures, performing risk analysis, and understanding record retention. This final module ensures you can close investigations with thoroughness and foresight.
Join this course to become proficient in conducting internal investigations, ensuring your organization maintains its integrity by effectively addressing and investigating allegations of misconduct.
COURSE FEATURES
✓ Interactive Modules: Engage with dynamic content, including multiple-choice exercises that mirror real-world scenarios.
✓ Expert Instruction: Benefit from the insights and experiences of seasoned professionals in internal investigations.
✓ Flexible Learning Environment: Access our course from anywhere, at any time, through our state-of-the-art online platform, designed for busy professionals.
✓ Professional Certification: Earn a distinguished certification issued by the Financial Crime Academy that showcases your expertise in internal investigations with an understanding of its importance within the compliance, risk management, and anti-financial crime landscape.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
This program is ideally suited for HR professionals, Employee Relations specialists, Ethics and Compliance officers, and anyone involved in managing or conducting internal investigations within organizations. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing skills or gain new expertise in handling allegations of harassment, discrimination, or ethics violations effectively, this course will provide you with the comprehensive knowledge and practical tools needed to conduct thorough and impactful internal investigations.
ENROLL TODAY
Enrol in our internal investigations course today to take a significant step towards becoming an expert in navigating and mitigating fraud, controls, and risks, thereby contributing to the overall success of your organization.
Important! This course, similar to the Financial Crime Academy's Certificate in Internal Investigations, is available on Udemy to support FCA's mission of making professional education more widely accessible. Completion via Udemy grants a certificate of completion only without access to FCA's platform, support, or a verifiable certificate ID. Courses on Udemy do not count towards FCA's CAMP, CAIP, or CFCP programs.