Event Details

Some of the most complex challenges HR professionals face involve how to investigate complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.  Legal issues have to be addressed, and often there are other “political” or hierarchical dynamics in play as well.  The clock is ticking, and you had plenty on your desk before you heard about this complaint.  What are the things you’re required to say and do?  What should you avoid?  What should you document?  This discussion will focus on practical tips for talking to witnesses, deciding what happened and what should be done about it, and creating good documentation.

Come prepared to discuss the following:

- What complaints should be investigated? Who should do it? Separating the complainant and accused.

-Planning: What you say to the complainant, accused, and witnesses? How to map out questions.

-Recordkeeping: Notes or tape recording?  Keeping track of issues, witnesses, documents?

-Reaching conclusions and writing the report:  Should you make recommendations, name witnesses?

-Circling back with the complainant, accused and witnesses.

Facilitator: Beth Wolffe of The Wolffe Law Firm

Our facilitator for this discussion is Beth Wolffe with The Wolffe Law Firm, LLC.  Beth has practiced employment law for almost 30 years, representing only employers.  She has conducted numerous investigations of complaints of sexual harassment, race and sex discrimination, and retaliation. She has also guided many clients in conducting their own, in–house investigations.  Beth regularly advises companies on employee policies and handbooks, wage and hour issues and audits, attendance and accommodation issues under the ADA, FMLA, and Virginians with Disabilities Act.  Beth also litigates on behalf of employers in state and federal courts in VA, DC and MD, and before the EEOC and US Department of Labor, as well as the state counterparts of those federal agencies.  For more information on her practice, see her website at www.WolffeLaw.com.

Please join us for this lively discussion. You are welcome to extend an invitation to interested colleagues. No fee is charged for attending.  However, registration is required on-line, at least 24 hours in advance, via the Dulles SHRM web site (www.dullesshrm.org) -- Chapter Discussion Groups. If you have questions, contact Beth Gilley at 703.444.2254 or discussion@dullesshrm.org. Participation may be limited to the first 25 people who sign up.

Date: Thursday, September 4, 2014
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Place:  Dimension Data

            11730 Plaza America Drive, Suite 340

            Reston, VA 20190

           (703)577-7013