The posting
Workplace Investigator (Grade K)
Temporary Contract – 12 Weeks – Possibility of Extension
Job Details
Client: London Borough of Tower Hamlets Duration: 12 weeks Contract: Temporary Start Date: 23 November 2026 End Date: 14 February 2027 Hours: 35 per week Vacancies: 1 PAYE Rate: £30.77 per hour (equivalent to £215.39 per 7-hour working day)
Working Pattern and Location
Hybrid working: Two to three days per week in the office, plus attendance at meetings and hearings across Council locations as required. Occasional evening hearings or appeal meetings may be necessary.
Office: 160 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BJ.
Job Overview
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced Workplace Investigator to join its HR and Organisational Development service. This specialist employee relations role involves independently conducting complex, sensitive and high-risk workplace investigations, including disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing, conduct and safeguarding-related employment cases.
You will plan investigations, interview witnesses, analyse documentary and electronic evidence and produce detailed, impartial reports that clearly explain findings. Your work must follow relevant Council policies, employment law, ACAS guidance and principles of procedural fairness and natural justice.
You will present findings at formal hearings, work with managers, trade unions and HR colleagues, identify organisational risks and recommend improvements. The successful candidate will have substantial employee relations investigation experience, sound professional judgement and the ability to manage sensitive cases objectively and confidentially.
Important – Please Read Carefully
Significant direct experience conducting complex formal workplace investigations is essential. This is not a general HR administration or customer complaints role.
Applicants must have completed workplace investigation training and hold CIPD Level 5 or an equivalent HR qualification, or demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and experience gained through professional practice. Experience producing detailed investigation reports and presenting findings at hearings is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently investigate complex disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing, conduct and other sensitive employment matters.
- Develop investigation plans and terms of reference, identifying all relevant lines of enquiry.
- Gather, review and evaluate documentary, electronic and witness evidence objectively.
- Conduct formal investigatory interviews and take accurate witness evidence.
- Apply the balance of probabilities when assessing evidence and preparing findings.
- Produce comprehensive, evidence-based investigation reports and present findings at hearings.
- Maintain confidentiality, procedural fairness and secure case records in accordance with data protection requirements.
- Liaise professionally with HR colleagues, managers, trade unions, legal services and other stakeholders.
- Identify safeguarding, legal and organisational risks, escalating concerns appropriately.
- Provide quality assurance, guidance and training on investigation practice and recommend service improvements.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant demonstrable experience independently conducting complex workplace investigations.
- Significant experience advising on complex formal employee relations cases.
- CIPD Level 5, equivalent HR qualification, or equivalent professional knowledge and experience.
- Completed workplace investigation training.
- Comprehensive understanding of employment law, ACAS Codes of Practice, investigation procedures and natural justice.
- Experience preparing detailed formal investigation reports and presenting findings at hearings.
- Experience working with trade unions and employee representatives.
- Experience delivering training or guidance on investigations, employee relations or related HR matters.
- Ability to evaluate conflicting evidence impartially and communicate sensitive findings clearly.
- Strong judgement, confidentiality, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Experience
- Formal investigation qualification.
- Knowledge of local government employment practices.
Additional Information
No DBS check is required for this role. The post is not politically restricted. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Interviews are expected to take place online. The successful candidate must be willing to travel to Council meetings and hearings and attend occasional evening hearings where required.
Disclaimer
On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role.
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify Fix Space Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.
Job Reference
OR121589
Screening Questions
- Have you personally led complex formal workplace investigations into disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing or other employee relations matters?
- Have you completed formal workplace investigation training? Please state the course or qualification.
- Do you hold CIPD Level 5, an equivalent HR qualification, or equivalent professional knowledge and experience?
- Have you produced detailed evidence-based investigation reports and presented findings at formal disciplinary or grievance hearings?
- Do you have significant experience applying employment law, ACAS guidance, procedural fairness and the balance of probabilities in workplace investigations?
- Have you worked directly with trade unions or employee representatives during formal employee relations investigations?
- Can you attend the Tower Hamlets office in Whitechapel two to three days each week and travel to other Council locations or occasional evening hearings?
- Are you available to start on 23 November 2026 and work 35 hours weekly for the full 12-week contract?
