Under Investigation
Transforming Disciplinary Practice in the Workplace
Andrew Cooper editor Adrian Neal editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bristol University Press
Publishing:5th Nov '25
£19.99
This title is due to be published on 5th November, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

While employee relations investigations are an important part of organisational practice for managing workplace issues, there is growing evidence of the significant harm they can cause to individuals being taken through them. This harm can also spread further to those involved in their delivery, as well as impacting organisational culture and reputation, leading to financial and economic harm.
Under Investigation proposes a shift in mindset that prioritises employee wellbeing alongside the application of the process, reducing potential harm and creating healthier work environments. Based on a programme of work and research within NHS Wales, it explores the wider impact of employee investigations, considers new approaches to applying disciplinary policy and includes a call to the human resources profession for change.
“A must-read for HR professionals, managers, and leaders at every level. With clarity and authority, it offers a compelling vision for rethinking and transforming how we manage disputes, especially the often-damaging way we approach disciplinary investigations..” Kate Nowicki, former Director of Dispute Resolution, Acas
“This book quickly becomes one that you can’t put down. It draws you into the stories of individuals who have been negatively affected by HR processes and makes you question your own practice. It is a call to anyone involved in disciplinary investigations to ensure that respect and dignity are at the heart of them.” James Devine, Korn Ferry Consulting and HR Most Influential Practitioner 2024
“An important read. It’s a subject that deserves proper forensic scrutiny.” Nick Wallis, author, ‘The Great Post Office Scandal’
“I read this book during a long train journey and was completely absorbed. It sets out a key role for public health advocacy: to influence those responsible for setting disciplinary policy and process because of the impact they can have on the working population.” Tracy Daszkiewicz, Vice-President, Faculty of Public Health
“This is a fascinating read for anyone who wants to think seriously about disciplinary processes and changing the organisational culture in which they are applied. It is both clear and thoughtful on the fundamental challenges for individuals and organisations and provides engaging case studies to bring the theory to life.” Sarah Fraser Butlin, King’s Counsel, Selwyn College, Cambridge
“I welcome this book for the way in which it brings together colleagues from HR and psychology to reflect on, and consider new approaches to the application of disciplinary policy and processes to support employee wellbeing.” Dr Roman Raczka, President, British Psychological Society
“A neglected topic brought to life with evidence and stories across disciplines and sectors. The questions asked provide food for thought for anyone working or studying in this area. For HR practitioners and for line managers, this book is a must.” Sarah Gilmore, Head of Management, Employment and Organization Section, Cardiff University
“New legislation in Australia is leading international debate on the duty that employers have to prevent the harm that trauma exposure at work can cause. This book strengthens the case further to build safer workplaces through the application of risk management thinking to HR policies and processes.” Jason van Schie, Founder and CEO, FlourishDx
“An important contribution to an under-assessed field. A workplace culture of reaching for disciplinary measures rather than dialogue, training and reconciliation will inevitably lead to poor outcomes for the employee and the organization.” Alex Aiken, former Head of Profession, UK Government Communication Service
“The authors' call to make processes more humane, thoughtful and productive is an important one. These practices can play a key part in creating healthier workforces and more effective service delivery. I think the book can generate helpful reflection for you and advance learning and improvement in your organization. I certainly recommend it.” Joe McCannon, former Vice President, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, US
ISBN: 9781529245097
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
160 pages