External or independent investigators for internal workplace matters

Request

I request information on your department’s use of external or independent investigators for internal workplace matters involving staff, including grievances, disciplinaries, and bullying/harassment complaints.

Please exclude any investigations carried out by internal HR or line managers, and focus only on cases where an external party was engaged.

For clarity, the financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March.

• Please provide details for each individual investigation carried out in:
  2022/23
  2023/24
  2024/25

For each case, please state:

1. Financial year
2. Cost paid to the investigator (£)
3. Number of hours charged (if available)
4. Type of investigator:
   1. Independent freelancer
   2. Specialist workplace investigation firm
   3. Employers’ organisation (e.g. ACAS)
   4. Private solicitor/law firm
   5. Other (please specify)

Outcome

Information not held.

Response

The National Archives did not use any external or independent investigators for these matters during the timeframes specified.