Governance & Compliance

Corporate Investigations Fundamentals

Allegations of fraud, harassment, corruption or policy breaches must be investigated fairly and thoroughly. This course covers investigation fundamentals: assessing allegations, planning, legal and privacy considerations, evidence collection including digital evidence, interviewing, analysis, report writing and recommendations.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Poor investigations can lead to wrong conclusions and legal challenges. You will learn a structured, defensible investigation method.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Investigation case exercises, interview practice, evidence handling demonstrations and report writing.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Assess allegations and decide on investigation
Plan investigations and define scope
Respect legal, privacy and employee rights
Collect and preserve evidence
Conduct investigative interviews
Write clear investigation reports

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Internal investigators and auditors
Compliance and HR professionals
Security managers
Legal staff
Managers asked to investigate

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Investigation planning
Evidence handling
Interviewing
Analysis
Report writing

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Investigation Basics

09:00–10:08Types of investigations
10:08–11:00Principles of fairness
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Principles of fairness (continued)
11:45–12:53Assessing allegations
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Planning

09:00–10:08Scope and objectives
10:08–11:00Team and independence
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Team and independence (continued)
11:45–12:53Legal considerations
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Evidence

09:00–10:08Documents and data
10:08–11:00Digital evidence
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Digital evidence (continued)
11:45–12:53Chain of custody
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Interviews

09:00–10:08Planning interviews
10:08–11:00Techniques
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Techniques (continued)
11:45–12:53Recording
12:53–14:00Role plays

Day 5Reporting

09:00–10:08Analysis and findings
10:08–11:00Report structure
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Report structure (continued)
11:45–12:53Recommendations
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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