Skip to content Skip to footer
Clarke Willmott LLP
Enquiries Call 0345 209 1000

Strategic and discreet legal advice on navigating workplace investigations

Our highly experienced employment solicitors, provide expert legal advice to both employers and senior executives facing serious employee relations challenges. Whether you’re managing an internal investigation or defending your professional position, we offer clear, strategic and pragmatic guidance, however sensitive the situation or high the stakes.

A workplace investigation is a key part of following a fair procedure if one of your employees is being disciplined, brings a grievance or ‘blows the whistle’ (makes a ‘protected disclosure’). It is also an important step in managing a complaint to avoid it becoming a significant dispute.

On this page

  • Who we help – we advise on, and carry out, investigations into whistleblowing, discrimination, misconduct and more.
  • How we help – advice on investigations, hearings, appeals and responding to allegations.
  • Why choose us – why clients choose us for our tailored, discreet advice and litigation expertise.
  • Recognition for our solicitors – independent directory reviews of our employment team.
  • Frequently asked questions – on workplace investigations and whistleblowing.
  • Latest news and insights – our latest articles on employment and workplace issues.

How we can help with workplace investigations

We can advise you on how to conduct a workplace investigation, review the material collected (including witness testimony) and set out your legal position, in confidence. We can also conduct internal investigations on the employer’s behalf.

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing cases can escalate quickly — with legal, regulatory, financial and reputational consequences.

We advise employers on managing whistleblowing disclosures, internal investigations and regulatory reporting obligations. We also support senior professionals considering blowing the whistle or facing retaliation for doing so.

Our goal is always to protect your interests and ensure a fair, legally compliant process.

Discrimination

Discrimination complaints involving race, sex, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic can have serious legal and reputational impact.

We help employers respond appropriately and lawfully and represent employees who believe they’ve been discriminated against or unfairly treated. Our advice is clear, pragmatic, and focused on protecting your interests at every stage.

Bullying and harassment

Bullying and harassment claims require sensitive handling, particularly when they involve senior leadership.

We support employers in investigating complaints fairly and robustly. We also act for executives who are making or facing allegations. In either case, we work to resolve matters quickly and minimise damage to careers, culture, or brand.

Misconduct and disciplinary issues

Major misconduct often involves complex and highly sensitive dynamics and investigations need to be handled with care and objectivity. Our approach is calm, practical, and focused on fair and effective resolution.

We advise employers on managing serious grievances from senior staff or about leadership conduct.

Why choose Clarke Willmott for workplace investigations

  • Senior oversight throughout: One of our senior partners will oversee the team working on your investigation, offering strategic guidance and ensuring accountability at every stage.
  • Outcome-focused, pragmatic approach – We aim to secure the best result for you with the minimum of disruption, using the most effective method for the situation, whether that’s negotiation, mediation or litigation.
  • Deep litigation expertise – When a dispute requires court action, we bring strong technical and procedural knowledge combined with a clear view of what success looks like.
  • Recognised by The Legal 500 – For the quality of our employment law advice.
  • Broad sector experience – Our large employment team has significant industry experience and is trusted by employers and senior executives across many sectors including regulated services.
  • Full-service capability– We can provide seamless support with the most serious issues including criminal and regulatory law, fraud and asset recovery, defamation and reputation management.

Recognition for our solicitors

‘Excellent response times and advice is always concise, clear and commercially focused. The team offers a broad range of skillsets and all employment queries are answered well.’

Legal 500 2026

“The breadth of experience within the team means that there is rarely a matter that hasn’t been experienced.”

Chambers 2026

‘I’m always able to speak with someone from the team when I need to. They take the time to understand the situation and provide excellent advice that is not only legally compliant but also assesses the commercial risk.’

Legal 500 2026

“They grasped the issues immediately and were able to explain them to me.”

Chambers 2026

Frequently asked questions on whistleblowing and investigations

Yes, our solicitors can act for employers and employees. We have experience representing both sides, which allows us to anticipate tactics and offer well-rounded advice.

We can advise employers who need to manage an investigation or defend a claim, and senior executives who are facing disciplinary action or making a serious complaint.

If an employee raises a serious grievance, an employer must follow a fair and transparent process, in line with the company’s internal policies and ACAS guidelines.

It’s important to seek legal advice quickly to ensure due process is followed to the letter to minimise the situation escalating further. Our solicitors can respond swiftly and advise employers on every step, from assessing the complaint and the investigation to negotiating the outcome and appeal, if needed.

Speak to our employment law team

For confidential advice on workplace investigations or whistleblowing, call 0800 652 8025 now or complete the form below to arrange a free, no-obligation, initial consultation.

Our employment law team advises employers and senior executives across the UK and internationally from our offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.

Meet our employment team

With seven offices throughout England and Wales, Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with a local presence. Learn more about our wider team of legal professionals and how they can support you.

Meet the team

Latest employment law news and insights

Employment Matters

Welcome to the latest edition of employment matters, our regular round-up of all things related to employment & HR law
Read more on Employment Matters
Employment

How to foster a positive workplace culture

Explore how employers can foster a positive workplace culture by challenging common health and safety myths, emphasising clear responsibilities, and understanding that “common sense” varies widely among individuals.
Read more on How to foster a positive workplace culture

Send an enquiry

Request a consultation – TC

To read about how and why we use your personal information, please visit our privacy page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Looking for legal advice?

Ask us

Request a consultation

Call us

0345 209 1000

Email us

Connect with us

Twitter LinkedIn