Investigations

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' or 'Unsubstantiate' the allegation of harassment or abuse.

When we do an investigation, we include:

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.”

Draft a list of stated 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.

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.

Determine if further interviews need to be completed of supporting witnesses. If so, follow similar process of interview.
Determine if follow-up meetings are required with the employee and the respondent to clarify responses.
Evaluate the findings to determine if the allegations are substantiated
Draft report with findings and recommendations, including how I concluded that the allegation was or was not substantiated
Send draft report to client for review and feedback. Meet with the client to finalize the report.

"We appreciate the delicateness of it all and how you have endeavoured to proceed with the utmost professionalism and care. Again, despite the heaviness that the investigation's conclusiveness brings, you have the profound thanks of a grateful Board." ~ C

"The event and aftermath of sexual abuse is horrendous, and when it occurs within the context of an organization you belong to, either through membership or employment, the reporting process can carry undue stress, immense fear, and leave a victim extremely vulnerable and uncertain concerning their future. I would describe my experience with Melodie Bissell, and the third-party investigative work of Plan to Protect® like finally gasping for air after being held under water, or finally seeing a spark a light in a dark forest after being hopelessly lost. It was a lifeline. It was the first moment I felt hope and the first expression of care I received. When I met Melodie, I believed that everything was going to be okay, whatever the outcome. Melodie is perfectly suited to speak to a victim of abuse because her natural disposition is kind, compassionate, and empathetic. She was incredibly professional, eager to hear my story, non-judgemental, and very thorough. She gave me a voice, and I felt at ease to share every sorted detail of my experience. Though I was afraid of the savvy of my predator to smooth talk and cloud truth, I had confidence that Melodie would see through the details and find the truth. I am grateful beyond words for Melodie’s role in the aftermath of my abuse. It is because of people like her that I have hope for tomorrow and confidence to move forward toward a healthier future and rebuild my life! Thank you, Melodie, for understanding the weight of my story and seeking truth and justice! ~ B

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