There are nearly 5.6 million small businesses across the UK, and they are all responsible for the health, safety, and security of their employees at work. Implementing simple security measures and safe reporting methods can help ensure the business stays afloat. However, sometimes these measures are not enough. Business losses can manifest right in front of you and pose a threat to your company if you are not vigilant and proactive in investigating potential issues. So, what are the primary reasons to conduct a corporate investigation?

Background checks are typically conducted on prospective employees towards the final stages of the hiring process. However, it is important to have the option to continue this process for existing employees as well. Life circumstances and work requirements can change rapidly. Ongoing or regularly scheduled background checks can help ensure your employees remain motivated and honest while limiting safety risks and reducing future financial loss. This is often one of the most straightforward and least disruptive forms of a corporate investigation.

Even seemingly harmless teasing can escalate and become serious forms of harassment and abuse. However, workplace abuse and harassment are not solely limited to sexual misconduct. Bullying, arguments, and physical altercations can also occur between employees with strong or differing opinions and personalities. Unfortunately, due to various reasons, most instances of harassment go unreported. Such behaviour can quickly deteriorate the work environment and necessitate a corporate investigation to determine the causes of the situation and implement appropriate remedies.

Human resources and management departments are staffed by individuals who have their own opinions, however, when it comes to hiring or promoting someone, discrimination cannot legally be a factor. Discrimination claims can be filed for discriminatory behaviour based on a person’s colour, disability, family status, race, religion, or gender. A corporate investigation may be required to ascertain whether a single individual or the entire business is responsible or liable for the discrimination.

Identifying and addressing employee theft is crucial for protecting your business’s assets and financial stability. Conducting a corporate investigation can help uncover instances of theft, hold responsible individuals accountable, and implement preventative measures to minimize future losses.

As a business, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and safeguarding your hard-won reputation for excellence. Investigating potential infringement of your IP rights is essential for preserving your company’s innovations and market position. Whether it’s conducting due diligence, investigations, or digital forensics, a corporate investigation can help identify unauthorized use or misappropriation of your IP and take appropriate legal action.

Overall, conducting corporate investigations is vital for safeguarding your business’s interests, preserving a positive work environment, and fostering long-term success. By addressing potential issues promptly and professionally, you can protect your company’s assets, reputation, and revenues.

At FACT, we are here to help you navigate these challenges and empower you with knowledge and solutions to ensure your business thrives. Recognised by businesses, law enforcement, and governments, we have over four decades of experience serving UK and international clients.

To learn more about our corporate investigation services, including third-party due diligence contact FACT Investigations today.