Consulting Services

Investigations

Workplace Harassment & Abuse Investigation Services

At Plan To Protect^®, we offer investigation services when someone at your organization has been the subject of an allegation or disclosure of workplace harassment or abuse. Our methodology is not to determine guilt or innocence but to determine the balance of probability, meaning after a series of interviews and examination of evidence, we provide a report on the balance of probability. The report will include our findings and whether or not we found enough evidence to ‘Substantiate’ the allegation of harassment or abuse.

How We Conduct Workplace Investigations

When we do an investigation,
we include

Meet with the respondent:

Reviewing the scope and sequence of the investigation,
Review the allegations,
Asking them for their side of the story,
Asking open ended questions,
Request any supporting evidence (texts, emails, names of witnesses),
Ask direct questions regarding activities surrounding the allegations,
Document responses to allegations.

Meet with the employee/volunteer who filed the complaint:

Reviewing the scope and sequence of the investigation,
Reviewing the story,
Asking open ended questions,
Request any supporting evidence (texts, emails, names of witnesses),
Document and finalizing the allegations.

Initial meeting with the client:

To be briefed on the allegation(s),
Identify the parties involved,
Review history of parties,
Determine the scope and sequence of the investigation,
Work with HR to draft a communication to both parties, and
Finalize “paint done.”

Determine if follow-up meetings are required with the employee and the respondent to clarify responses.

Determine if further interviews need to be completed of supporting witnesses. If so, follow similar process of interview.

Draft a clear and concise list of all stated allegations to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the investigation.

Send draft report to client for review and feedback. Meet with the client to finalize the report.

Draft report with findings and recommendations, including how I concluded that the allegation was or was not substantiated

Evaluate the findings to determine if the allegations are substantiated

“I want to thank you so much for the respect and kindness extended to me during the interviews
for the investigation. You showed no bias, your questions were well thought out, and you
provided me an opportunity to answer them and give my side of the story. This was quite
stressful for me, but I feel heard. Thank you.”

~ Sexual Harassment Investigation Respondent

“We wouldn’t have known how to handle this abuse case without your guidance. We now see
areas where we didn’t handle things properly, and our initial response was not done well. You
were able to categorize the various claims, interview the right number of people, analyze the
findings, state your findings and help us with a communication strategy.”

~Client, Sexual and Spiritual Abuse Investigation

“Thank you so much Melodie and team for your work on the investigation. We are confident
with your findings. You showed respect to all the parties and communicated with us throughout
the process. We are so thankful for you and your expertise.”

~Client, Clergy Sexual Misconduct Investigation

“Reporting abuse within an organization can be overwhelming and deeply frightening. My
experience with Melodie Bissell and Plan to Protect® was a lifeline during one of the most
difficult times of my life. Melodie’s compassion, professionalism, and commitment to truth gave
me the confidence to share my story and trust the process of the investigation. I am deeply
grateful for the hope, care, and dignity she brought to my healing journey.”

~Victim, Sexual Abuse and Misconduct investigation

Let’s Work Through

This Together

Start a conversation with our team and explore how we can support your organization.