Investigation report outline
Executive summary
An executive summary is a very concise overview of the investigation from inception through to
the report. It should only contain information, which is in the main body of the report.
Introduction
Name(s) or case reference number of subject(s) of complaint
Date
Confidentiality statement
Nature of the complaint and which stipulations of UN rules and Code of Conduct are alleged
to have been breached
Scope of the investigation (how many complainants, witnesses, subjects etc)
Brief contextual information e.g. country, refugee camp etc
Methodology
The process used during the investigation
Evidence required
Interviews conducted
Any impediments to the investigation i.e. lack of cooperation by subject or unwillingness to
be interviewed by any witnesses
Findings
Take each complaint in turn (if there is more than one) and summarise the evidence given
by all interviewees in respect to each complaint in turn
Describe other evidence – photos, work logs, emails etc
Impartially state evidence to support or refute the complaint(s)
Draw logical and fair conclusions based on the evidence
Conclusions and recommendations
The findings should be clearly stated for each complaint according to the following:
established by reasonable inference
not established/substantiated – insufficient or unclear evidence
not established/substantiated – based on evidence to clear the complainant or to establish
a malicious complaint
Possible outcomes
Allegations established/substantiated:
o The organisation’s appropriate disciplinary procedures should be pursued by the
disciplinary decision maker – not the investigator
o Investigation report written
o Note in SOC’s human resources file
InterAction 2011. Investigation Report Outline.
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