FAQs

I work exclusively in higher education. Every case, every training day, and every consultancy review draws on relevant sector knowledge in addition to investigative expertise, rather than a general investigations background adapted for a university context. I understand the governance structures, the regulatory obligations, and the pressures that HE staff are under, because I have worked in and around them for over 20 years.

Commissioning an external supplier often involves an internal approval process. For your procurement team I’ve prepared a two-page PDF capability note covering my experience, qualifications, insurance, and data security arrangements — download it here:

Please send me an email and we can set up a short Teams call to discuss what you need. I can then send over a no-obligation quote. (For investigations, see more information on getting set up.)

• When you have accepted a quote based on the key details of the case, we will agree the investigation’s scope and Terms of Reference. This will include timelines, and welfare or safeguarding considerations, and which of your procedures are applicable.
• I will produce an investigation plan for your agreement.
• I will carry out an impartial and trauma-informed investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing those involved.
• I will draft a comprehensive investigation report with clear and evidenced findings and reference to your own policies, making recommendations if required.
• I can help to communicate the outcome, and/or present the case at a disciplinary panel and provide support through any appeal or review process.

Trauma-informed means that I maintain an evidence-based understanding of how trauma impacts the body and brain, and I apply this understanding intentionally and mindfully to my practice and decision-making. It means that I build safeguarding and inclusivity into my process and maintain a dialogue with each participant on how I can ensure safety, transparency, and choice (as far as possible within the framework of an investigation) and avoid re-traumatisation.

Each quotation is different and will always be tailored to exactly what you need. I will develop a no-obligation quote from the details you provide in a short, introductory call.

I understand that investigations of this type involve the processing of the most sensitive data. My Data Processing Agreement (DPA) and Schedule of Processing Activities (SPA) are available upon request, and are appended to my T&Cs.

The training is designed for HE staff who are (or will be) responsible for conducting serious and sensitive student investigations. No prior investigation experience is required; the two days take participants from the basics of handover and planning through to case presentation, appeals, and challenges.

Training is delivered either online via MS Teams or in-house at your institution. All training is bespoke to higher education and fully trauma-informed throughout. For a conversation about what your team needs, please get in touch.

• Tier One is a focused desk-based review of one or more specific policies or procedures, a cost-effective option if you have a particular area you want assessed.
• Tier Two adds conversations with relevant staff to understand how policy works in practice, which often surfaces gaps that a document review alone would miss.
• Tier Three is a comprehensive health check of your end-to-end approach across investigations and the broader disciplinary process, suited to institutions preparing for a review, responding to an upheld OIA complaint, or undertaking a broader programme of improvement.
• All tiers are usually delivered remotely and conclude with a comprehensive written report.

This depends on the scope and tier. A Tier One review of a single policy can typically be completed within a few weeks, while a Tier Three health check will naturally take longer. I will always provide an indicative timeline when I send over a quote, so you know what to expect from the outset.

Yes. While much of the regulatory landscape is shaped by OfS requirements in England, I am fully aware of the distinct frameworks in Wales (OIA/Medr) and Scotland (SFC/SPOS), and I ensure that all work meets the relevant local requirements. If you are unsure whether your institution’s context is one I can assist with, please do get in touch and I’ll be happy to advise.

Most of my work is carried out remotely. Interviews are conducted via MS Teams as standard and all documentation is handled securely online via a M365 business account for hosting and processing and access restricted via role-based permissions and Multi-Factor Authentication. If in-person attendance is needed at any stage I am happy to discuss my availability to travel.

This depends on my current caseload, but I respond to all enquiries promptly and will always be upfront about my availability when we speak. I manage a small caseload carefully to ensure every case receives the attention it requires. If I am unable to take on a case within your required timeframe, I will let you know at the earliest opportunity. If your case is time-sensitive, please mention this when you get in touch and I will do my best to accommodate.

OfS Condition E6, which came fully into force on 1 August 2025, requires that staff undertaking investigations have the required knowledge and skills. Appointing an investigator with demonstrable expertise in trauma-informed practice, harassment and sexual misconduct definitions, and HE-specific regulatory requirements is one way institutions can evidence this. I am happy to discuss how I can support your compliance approach, including providing relevant information for your own records, when we speak.

At the initial enquiry stage, a brief outline of the case or the type of support you are looking for is enough for us to have a useful first conversation. I’ll gather the details I need to provide a quote on our introductory call, after which I’ll send over a quotation together with my Terms and Conditions (including my Data Processing Agreement and Schedule of Processing Activities). For more detail on the typical process for a new investigation, see the Getting Set Up page.