Staying Impartial in Investigations
Following on from our blog last week about the QUT panel in Brisbane, here’s how to stay objective when bias creeps in. Social identity theory tells us humans tend toward “us vs them” thinking—useful once, unhelpful now.
How to Remain Objective
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1
Be fair—don’t stack the odds
If you interview six witnesses for the complainant, interview six for the respondent.
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2
Follow Procedural Fairness & Natural Justice
Know the principles and apply them consistently at every stage.
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3
Use the ABC of Investigations
Assume nothing. Believe nothing. Check everything.
In Summary
Being fair, just and reasonable protects you from complaints about process. Facts—all of them—matter more than opinion.
Paint the whole picture and stay impartial.