Investigation meeting script template
Efficiently conduct investigations with our structured meeting script, promoting fairness, consistency, and thoroughness in gathering evidence
- 2 pages / 470 words.
- Last updated 16/09/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Investigation meeting script
1 [Welcome]
1.1 Good morning/afternoon, [employee's name]. Thank you for joining me. I have asked to meet with you today to discuss an issue that has been brought to our attention.
2 [Purpose]
2.1 The purpose of this meeting is to investigate a complaint/allegation that has been made against you, and to allow you to respond to these allegations.
2.2 Before we begin, I want to make it clear that this is an investigation and not a disciplinary hearing. The purpose of the investigation is to gather information, hear your version of events and any mitigating factors, and to determine whether or not there is a case for disciplinary action to be taken.
I also want to let you know that the investigation will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, and that you will be given the opportunity to respond to the
You're currently viewing a limited preview. For instant full access, purchase this item or a parent bundle.
An investigation meeting script for an employer is a document that outlines the structure and content of a meeting that is conducted as part of an investigation into an employee's alleged misconduct or poor performance. The purpose of the script is to ensure that the employer conducts a fair and thorough investigation that respects the employee's right to a fair hearing.
The purpose of an investigation meeting script is to provide a structured framework and guidelines for conducting an investigation meeting. It helps ensure consistency, fairness, and thoroughness throughout the investigation process. The script serves several key purposes:
-
Clarity: It provides clear instructions and guidance to the investigator on the sequence of events and topics to cover during the meeting. This ensures that important aspects of the investigation are not overlooked or missed.
-
Standardisation: By following a scripted format, the investigation process can be standardised across different cases and investigators. This helps maintain consistency and fairness in how investigations are conducted within an organisation.
-
Thoroughness: The script ensures that all relevant questions, topics, and evidence are addressed during the meeting. It helps the investigator gather comprehensive information, statements, and evidence to make well-informed decisions or recommendations.
-
Documentation: A scripted meeting helps ensure accurate and consistent documentation of the investigation process. It provides a record of the questions asked, responses received, and any additional follow-up actions required.
-
Compliance: Following a scripted approach can help ensure compliance with legal requirements and internal policies or procedures. It helps investigators adhere to established protocols and guidelines, reducing the risk of procedural errors or bias.
-
Impartiality: The script assists in maintaining impartiality during the investigation process. It helps the investigator focus on gathering relevant facts, listening to all parties involved, and avoiding personal biases or assumptions.
-
Reference and Review: The scripted investigation meeting can serve as a reference point for future review or for presenting findings to relevant stakeholders. It provides a clear record of the investigation process and aids in the preparation of a comprehensive investigation report.
Overall, an investigation meeting script promotes a structured and consistent approach to conducting investigations, ensuring fairness, thoroughness, and adherence to established protocols. It helps investigators gather accurate information, maintain objectivity, and document the investigation process effectively.
It is usually delivered to the Employee by the Employer / HR.
It should be actioned to be used at the meeting.
Compliance
Compliance
This Investigation meeting script template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
-
The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: This legislation sets out the best practices for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct or poor performance in the workplace, including the requirement for the employer to conduct a fair and thorough investigation.
-
The Equality Act 2010: This legislation requires that any investigation and subsequent disciplinary action taken by the employer does not discriminate against the employee on the basis of any protected characteristic, such as race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
-
The Data Protection Act 2018: This legislation requires that any personal data collected during the investigation process is handled and stored in accordance with data protection laws.
-
The Human Rights Act 1998: This legislation requires that the employee's right to a fair hearing is respected during the investigation process.
-
The Employment Rights Act 1996: This legislation requires that employers follow a fair and reasonable process when conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct or poor performance.
-
The GDPR: This legislation requires that employers obtain explicit consent from employees before collecting their personal data during the investigation process, and that they handle the data in accordance with GDPR regulations.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Investigation meeting script template, to understand the workflow.
Investigation meeting invitation (to subject of allegation) letter
If an employee is suspected of misconduct, the employer must carry out a fair and proper investigation into the allegations and determine the facts of the case through gathering evidence.
Investigation report form
A structured investigation report form template to record findings, evidence, and outcomes from workplace investigations consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Investigation meeting script template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
-
Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
-
Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
-
Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
-
What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
