Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions we are asked most often. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please get in touch - we are happy to have a conversation.
About Our Investigations
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We specialise in workplace investigations for organisations in the health, education and disability sectors. This includes reportable conduct investigations under the Children's Guardian Act 2019, NDIS reportable incident investigations, bullying, harassment and discrimination investigations, code of conduct matters, clinical complaints and systemic reviews.
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Our experience is strongest in the health, education and disability sectors. We also work with other organisations that have obligations under the reportable conduct scheme, including religious bodies, out-of-home care providers and sporting organisations. If you are unsure whether we can help with your matter, please contact us and we will let you know.
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No. We do not conduct private investigations, surveillance, domestic matters or criminal defence work. Our practice is focused entirely on workplace and institutional investigations.
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No. We no longer offer mediation services. Our investigators focus exclusively on conducting formal workplace and reportable conduct investigations.
About Reportable Conduct
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The reportable conduct scheme is a child protection framework in New South Wales established under the Children's Guardian Act 2019. It requires Schedule 1 organisations — including schools, hospitals, disability providers and religious bodies — to investigate and report to the Office of the Children's Guardian (OCG) any allegations of reportable conduct made against their employees, volunteers or contractors.
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Reportable conduct includes a sexual offence, sexual misconduct, ill-treatment of a child, neglect of a child, an assault against a child, an offence under s 43B or s 316A of the Crimes Act 1900, and behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm to a child. If you are unsure whether an allegation falls within the scheme, we can advise you.
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When your organisation becomes aware of a reportable conduct allegation, you are required to notify the Office of the Children's Guardian within seven days. This 7-day notification provides initial details of the allegation. A 30-day update is required shortly after. We can prepare both notifications on your behalf.
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Chapter 16A of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 allows certain agencies — including NSW government agencies, schools, hospitals and police — to share information with prescribed bodies to assist in child protection investigations. We regularly make Chapter 16A requests on behalf of organisations we are working with to obtain relevant information from police, the Department of Communities and Justice and other agencies.
About The Process
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Every investigation is different. A straightforward single-complainant matter may take four to six weeks. A complex reportable conduct investigation involving multiple witnesses, child interviews and agency requests may take three to five months. We will give you a realistic timeframe when we discuss your matter and keep you updated throughout.
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Yes. All matters we handle are treated as strictly confidential. We do not disclose information to third parties without your consent, except where required by law or as part of the investigation process (for example, when we need to make a Chapter 16A request to another agency).
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Yes. Our investigators are trained in internationally recognised best practice methods for interviewing children in child protection contexts. We approach all child interviews with care, sensitivity and an understanding of the particular challenges involved.
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Yes. While our primary base is Sydney, we have investigators located in Brisbane, the Hunter/Newcastle region and Coffs Harbour. This means we can service organisations across New South Wales and Queensland without the travel costs that come with flying an investigator in from Sydney. If you are based in regional NSW or Queensland, get in touch and we can discuss the most practical approach for your matter.
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We provide a fee estimate once we understand the scope of your matter. Our pricing is transparent and fair. We discuss our rates before we begin any work and keep you informed if the scope changes. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
