The challenge
Serious allegations spanning workplace conduct, recruitment and conflicts of interest required an independent investigation that was fair, rigorous and able to withstand scrutiny.
A Commonwealth public sector organisation engaged OCM to conduct an independent investigation into allegations concerning a senior manager’s behaviour, recruitment practices and potential conflicts of interest.
The matter involved a complex set of interconnected allegations, including claims of bullying and coercive workplace behaviour, the recruitment of a relative, and the engagement of an external supplier connected to the subject officer. The investigation was further complicated by the departure of key witnesses and the subject officer from the organisation, the refusal of one witness to participate, and the lack of a substantive response from the subject officer despite repeated contact attempts. These circumstances required a careful and methodical approach to ensure all available evidence was properly tested while maintaining procedural fairness throughout the process.
How we helped
A structured, evidence-led investigation combined witness interviews, documentary review and careful analysis to establish clear and defensible findings.
Working closely with the client, the investigation established a clear scope and translated broad concerns into a series of specific allegations capable of being independently assessed. Available witnesses were interviewed and a detailed review was undertaken of documentary evidence, including emails, messages, recruitment files, procurement records and other relevant material. Witness accounts were carefully examined against contemporaneous records to identify areas of corroboration, assess competing explanations and establish a reliable factual foundation.
Throughout the investigation, a strong focus was maintained on procedural fairness. Multiple documented attempts were made to provide the subject officer with notice of the allegations and an opportunity to respond. Each allegation was assessed on the balance of probabilities, applying an evidentiary standard appropriate to the seriousness of the conduct in question. Beyond the immediate allegations, the review also examined broader organisational factors, identifying potential weaknesses in workload management, psychosocial risk controls and conflict-of-interest processes that warranted further attention.
Results that matter
Clear findings and practical recommendations gave the organisation a stronger foundation for decision-making, governance and future risk management.
OCM found sufficient evidence to substantiate all three allegations. The investigation established an evidentiary basis for findings relating to inappropriate management conduct, an unmanaged personal conflict of interest in a recruitment process, and an undeclared connection between the subject officer and an external supplier. The resulting report provided the client with clear findings, transparent reasoning and a defensible foundation for decision-making.
Importantly, the review also identified opportunities for broader organisational improvement. OCM delivered practical recommendations to strengthen recruitment and procurement controls, improve secondary employment and conflict-of-interest declaration processes, enhance workforce planning and better manage psychosocial risks. As a result, the organisation was equipped not only to address the immediate concerns but also to strengthen its governance framework, build organisational resilience and reinforce a culture of integrity and accountability.
Our people
Rob Critchlow
