Professional Certificate in Workplace Investigations

(PCWI)

Practical capability to conduct fair, lawful and defensible workplace investigations.

The Certificate in Workplace Investigations develops the practical knowledge and skills required to plan, conduct and document workplace investigations appropriately.

Designed for managers, executives, HR professionals, quality and compliance personnel and other professionals who may be responsible for investigating workplace matters, the course takes learners through the investigation process from the initial receipt and assessment of an allegation through to investigation planning, evidence gathering, interviewing, findings and reporting.

Learners develop capability in procedural fairness, impartiality, confidentiality, evidence assessment, interviewing, documentation and evidence-based decision-making, while considering the employment, regulatory and organisational requirements that can affect an investigation.

The course is designed to be relevant across organisations of different sizes, structures and sectors, including disability, aged care, mental health, allied health, community services and other health and human services environments.

Professional Certificate in Workplace Investigations (PCWI)

  • 12 weeks (can be completed sooner, based on your progress with certain self-directed module content).

  • You do not need to purchase any additional learning materials - everything including readings are provided.

    4 comprehensive learning modules on specific workplace investigations topics, relevant to healthcare and health-adjacent industries such as NDIS, aged care, mental health and allied health.

    Structured, easy-to-follow case-based assessments that you’ll complete independently.

    Multiple opportunities to receive detailed feedback on progress.

    Weekly virtual ‘open door’ with a Teaching Fellow where you can ask any questions about the program materials or your assessments.

    All learners receive 12 months’ access to any CHI webinars at no cost (expires 12 months after date of enrolment).

  • Delivered 100% online.

    Language: English.

  • Anytime, year round.

  • Minimum 18 years of age.

    Competent English speaking and writing communication skills.

  • This program is fully inclusive. In 2026, the total fee is $990 (GST inclusive).

    Fees must be paid prior to commencement.

 

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In this short course, you may learn about:

Investigation Foundations and Initial Assessment
Understand when a workplace investigation may be required, how to assess allegations and concerns, establish the scope of an investigation and identify appropriate investigation processes.

Procedural Fairness and Investigation Integrity
Explore the principles of procedural fairness, impartiality, confidentiality, conflicts of interest and appropriate treatment of complainants, respondents and witnesses.

Investigation Planning and Evidence
Learn how to develop an investigation plan, identify relevant issues and evidence, gather and preserve information and maintain appropriate investigation records.

Conducting Investigation Interviews
Develop practical approaches to planning and conducting interviews with complainants, respondents and witnesses, including effective questioning, documentation and management of challenging interview situations.

Assessing Evidence and Making Findings
Learn how to evaluate competing evidence, assess credibility and reliability, apply the appropriate standard of proof and reach findings that are supported by the available evidence.

Investigation Reports, Outcomes and Organisational Response
Understand how to prepare clear and defensible investigation reports, communicate findings appropriately, maintain investigation records and distinguish investigation findings from subsequent disciplinary or management decisions.

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Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, learners should be able to:

  • Assess workplace allegations and determine an appropriate investigation approach.

  • Plan and scope workplace investigations effectively.

  • Apply procedural fairness and impartial investigation practices.

  • Identify, gather, document and evaluate relevant evidence.

  • Plan and conduct effective investigation interviews.

  • Assess the credibility, reliability and weight of evidence.

  • Make evidence-based findings using the appropriate standard of proof.

  • Prepare clear, structured and defensible investigation reports.

  • Recognise legal, regulatory, ethical and organisational considerations relevant to workplace investigations.

  • Manage investigation information with appropriate confidentiality, professionalism and judgement.

Why study Workplace Investigations?

Workplace allegations can create significant risks for employees, service users and organisations when they are not handled appropriately.

Managers may be required to respond to allegations involving misconduct, bullying, harassment, breaches of policy, inappropriate workplace behaviour, conflicts of interest or failures to meet professional and organisational standards. Poorly conducted investigations can compromise procedural fairness, produce unreliable findings and expose organisations to unnecessary legal, regulatory, workforce and reputational risk.

The Certificate in Workplace Investigations develops practical capability to investigate workplace concerns fairly, systematically and professionally, helping managers make better decisions when allegations need to be examined and resolved.

Professional Recognition

Graduates who successfully complete all certification requirements may use the post-nominal:

PCWI