Internal investigations – achieving the best outcome in difficult circumstances

Eversheds Sutherland publishes the first guide to protecting commercial reputations during investigations

A new guidebook covering internal company investigations is published today, entitled “A Guide to Conducting Internal Investigations”.

A Guide to Conducting Internal Investigations offers thorough insight into how companies can undertake an effective internal investigation. From investigations into criminal finance and money-laundering, to board-level misconduct and lower-level employee embezzlement, companies must be prepared to conduct thorough investigations into wrongdoing which often carries criminal penalties or the risk of costly litigation.

The book offers a step-by-step guide on how to conduct investigations, including assigning personnel to manage the investigation, planning and implementing the investigation, assimilating and reviewing evidence, interviewing key figures and handling witnesses. The volume also offers guidance on how to cooperate with authorities, how to interact with staff being investigated, and how to manage corporate communications and PR risks.

The book offers best practice guidance for companies undertaking internal investigations. It is authored by Jake McQuitty, Partner in Eversheds Sutherland’s Litigation & Dispute Management group. Jake draws on over twenty years of experience undertaking investigations for clients and advising on external investigations by authorities, including four years as head of investigations and enforcement for a global bank.

Jake McQuitty, said:

“Internal investigations are a daunting prospect for companies, and if badly managed can leave companies bearing the brunt of irreparable damage to staff morale, with a corporate reputation tarnished and a loss of customer confidence. Companies must get organised and fast in the event they need to undertake a major investigation.

“This guide is a long overdue blueprint for businesses which need to investigate incidents in their organisation, often in the face of scrutiny from external authorities.  The book offers practical guidance on how companies should prepare and organise themselves in advance of, and when undertaking, an internal investigation. This guide should be essential reading for any professional tasked with investigating issues in their organisation, particularly colleagues in legal, auditing, compliance, risk and HR roles.”

A Guide to Conducting Internal Investigations is published on 12 February 2021 by Bloomsbury Professional.