Employment investigations and disciplinary chair
I am available to act for employers or employees in respect of all employment, unfair dismissal claims, grievances, and misconduct issues.
I have sat on over 1,000 cases as an advisor, investigator, and chair or member of various kinds of tribunal. This gives me an edge when it comes to identifying, analysing, and appraising evidence and assessing witness credibility.
I have acted as a Case Presenter for regulatory bodies against their members, sat on the Investigation Panel of the British Computer Society’s Professional Conduct Committee, and represented parties before Employment Tribunals. As a result, I am well placed to recognise what is likely to succeed or fail at a hearing or trial.
My point of view. Gig economy claims
I have a particular interest in status or ‘gig economy’ claims, following the cases of Pimlico Plumbers, Uber, Deliveroo, City Spring and others. In these, workers claim they are “limb (b) workers”, self-employed individuals entitled to basic rights such as paid holidays, the minimum wage, and protection from discrimination.
What my clients say
“Robin provided excellent and efficient service… He went beyond the call of duty by offering valuable personal advice from an alternative viewpoint… Robin is indeed a barrister with a difference. I had recently secured compensation for this claimant at the Central London Employment Tribunal of over £59,000 for making a protected disclosure.”
UK Business Owner
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You may be able to make an “unfair prejudice” claim or bring a “derivative action” against the other shareholders or directors.
I am a specialist business, company and commercial lawyer and barrister with real life commercial experience prior to qualifying.
My Relevant Experience
I am a busy and experienced workplace investigator and disciplinary, grievance or appeal chair.
My investigation and disciplinary or grievance chair practise typically relates to conducting complex, challenging and sensitive disciplinary and grievance investigations or hearings normally in respect of CEOs, senior executives and board members. In addition to investigations, I chair first stage or appeals hearings.
Investigations and hearings represent a substantial part of my practise alongside being a practising barrister and mediator.
Whilst acting as an investigator or chair, clients have the additional comfort that whilst I wouldn’t be offering legal advice, they would have the benefit of engaging someone who has had formal legal as well as investigations training, rather than the traditional ‘HR’ background investigator who make up the bulk of the investigator and chair service offerings.
Using an independent external workplace investigator ensures impartiality and credibility. Internal investigators may face conflicts of interest, unconscious bias, or pressure from management, which can compromise the integrity of findings. External professionals bring specialized expertise in employment law, investigative techniques, and best practices, reducing legal and reputational risks. Their independence fosters trust among employees, encouraging candid participation and protecting confidentiality. Additionally, external investigators provide objective reports that stand up to scrutiny in tribunals or courts, strengthening the employer’s position. Overall, outsourcing investigations demonstrates commitment to fairness, transparency, and compliance, which enhances workplace culture and mitigates liability.
Your Guide to Workplace and Corporate Investigations
- Why workplace and corporate investigations matter
- Knowing when to investigate and when mediation may be better
- Fairness, independence and procedure
- Evidence, credibility and sound decision-making
- Preparing for and conducting interviews
- Handling misconduct, grievance and whistleblowing cases
- Investigation reports and evidence management
- AI in modern workplace investigations
- Specialist and senior-level investigations
- Lessons learned and organisational improvement
- When police or regulators may need to be involved
Important Disclaimer:
This page is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content may or may not be legally accurate for your situation or at all. You must not rely on anything on this page in respect of your legal rights. Before taking (or not taking) any legal action, you should seek advice from a qualified lawyer. I disclaim any and all liability for any loss, damage, or expense howsoever caused by reliance on the contents of this page.
If you would like advice from me on your specific situation, click here.
My services
Barrister: Shareholder, Partnership, Business
Legal advice, strategy & advocacy
Mediator: Shareholder, Partnership, Business
Helping businesses resolve disputes
Independent HR Workplace Investigator
Independent external HR investigations
Accrediations
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Want to check my availability? Need some legal or strategic advice? Or a fee proposal?
I am a direct access barrister. You can save time and money by instructing me using the direct or public access scheme. Or go through your solicitor.
Call 020 4538 0246, use the contact form, or webchat here.
