UK
The United Kingdom London
Ireland
Trends and Developments Contributed by: Steven Cochrane, Hannah Netherton, Anna Cope and Gillian MacLellan CMS
Germany
Belgium
France
CMS has a wealth of experience in advising on the full range of people issues. With over 50 specialists across seven UK offices, the UK Employment team is regularly appointed by a variety of blue-chip organi - sations across sectors to carry out (and/or advise on) sensitive internal investigations, often involving highly sensitive allegations, and often with significant reputational and regulatory risks. The lawyers in the firm’s cross-practice workplace investigations “cen - tre of excellence” regularly advise on and/or carry out investigations involving the most serious people is -
sues, such as harassment allegations, workplace cul - ture concerns and whistle-blowing, and also support the people aspects of broader regulatory investiga - tions and inquiries. The team handles every stage, from scoping and interviewing to reporting, regulator engagement and remedial action, and is increasingly asked to lead follow-up measures, including culture audits, lessons-learned workshops and bespoke training for senior leaders. The team is at the forefront of advising on privilege and governance in investiga - tions.
Authors
Steven Cochrane has a thriving investigations practice advising boards, audit committees and senior management on high-stakes workplace investigations involving whistle-blowing, non-financial misconduct and senior leadership issues at the top of the corporate risk register. He is frequently appointed as external investigator in complex and sensitive matters where internal review is not possible or appropriate, and also acts as strategic adviser on parallel litigation and regulatory risk. He is known for cutting through complex and emotive fact patterns to deliver clear, proportionate and defensible investigative strategies. A member of the Association of Corporate Investigators, he is highly regarded for his calm authority with witnesses, trauma-informed interviewing style, and sophisticated handling of privilege, confidentiality and GDPR issues.
Hannah Netherton has a varied practice, with a focus on employers in life sciences/healthcare, financial services and media/technology. She has particularly deep expertise in handling complex investigations.
Recognised for advising on processes that have credibility and integrity, she acts as investigator or adviser in the most sensitive HR situations. From scoping and interviewing through to drafting reports, managing regulator engagement and implementing remedial action, she guides organisations through every stage of the process. Hannah’s reputation for keeping a cool head under pressure and technical understanding of issues such as legal privilege and data privacy help her achieve excellent results. Hannah is a member of the Association of Corporate Investigators and is trained on investigative interviewing techniques.
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