Investigations

I offer Universities a complete investigation service for reports of sexual misconduct, harassment or hate, from the outset of the investigation through to presentation at a disciplinary hearing. I also offer guidance on responding to any challenge via appeal or ombudsman.

This will be fully compliant with your own institution’s relevant policies, procedures, and/or regulations.

Also see the Frequently Asked Questions page found here.

Why use a specialist investigator?

  • Student casework in higher education has evolved into a highly specialised field. While the 1994 Zellick Report once discouraged internal handling of serious misconduct, the landscape shifted dramatically with Universities UK’s 2016 Changing The Culture report and the Office for Students’ (OfS) 2021 Statement of Expectations.

  • On 1 August 2025, the E6 Condition of Registration came fully into force. English HEIs that fail to demonstrate compliance risk losing their degree-awarding powers and may face significant financial penalties.

  • Conducting fair, robust, and trauma-informed investigations is no longer just morally and ethically appropriate; it is now a regulatory requirement.

HE-relevant investigations

Many investigators come from legal or policing backgrounds. While their skills are valuable, they may be unfamiliar with the nuances of the higher education sector.

  • HE investigations do not seek to prove criminal breaches of law; they determine breaches of institutional policy within the specific HE regulatory framework.

  • I bring years of experience in quality assurance and compliance, specifically tailored to student casework in higher education. I understand the unique procedural and regulatory requirements of Universities.

Regulatory compliance

Office for Students (Condition E6)

The OfS requires that staff undertaking investigations possess the “required knowledge and skills.” My expertise offers compliance with:

  • Up-to-date understanding of harassment and sexual misconduct definitions.

  • Trauma-informed practice and support for reporting parties, respondents, and witnesses.

  • Robust investigative techniques and decision-making aligned with E6.

Freedom of Speech (HE Act 2023)

OfS compliance extends beyond sexual misconduct. Since August 2025, Universities must also navigate and comply with the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.

I am well-versed in the OfS’s updated guidance and I will advise you if I feel that proceeding with an investigation may conflict with the current guidance.

OIA Good Practice Framework

Avoid upheld complaints and re-referrals in England and Wales by ensuring your processes align with the Office of the Independent Adjudicator’s Good Practice Framework.

  • I am a former OIA liaison delegate for a Russell Group University

  • I was a member of the OIA steering group that developed the new GPF section on harassment and sexual misconduct.

  • I have experiencing of developing or contributing to policies that withstand OIA scrutiny.

Best practice and other regional frameworks

  • To ensure continued best practice I actively engage with relevant networks and consult existing guides like Addressing Student Sexual Violence in Higher Education. I closely follow the work of organisations and groups such as The 1752 Group, Emily Test, Culture Shift, and Lime Culture and I pursue continued professional development.

  • While much of my work relates to England and Wales, I am fully aware of the distinct frameworks in Scotland (SFC/SPOS) and Wales (OIA/Medr), ensuring every investigation meets both minimum standards and specific local regulations.

Find out more and contact me

Review my full experience, accreditations, and achievements on LinkedIn or contact me to discuss how I can help.