If you have been invited to attend an interview as a witness, there is reason to believe that you may know something about the issues being investigated or perhaps you were a witness to a particular event.

To maintain confidentiality, you should not disclose details of the interview or anything that you discuss at any investigation interview to anyone other than a trade union representative or the investigation team that has been made known to you. If you breach this confidentiality, this may result in disciplinary action being taken against you.

Tips to support you during the interview process

• You may be distressed or feel anxious, try to remain calm, you are not being investigated. The investigating team are not representing anyone as part of this process. They are independent and are tasked with establishing the facts which are currently being investigated
• If you require any adjustments in order to attend the meeting you will need to contact the investigation team to make arrangements for you at the earliest opportunity
• If the investigating manager has told you in advance of the allegations or what issue they want to discuss, please spend some time reflecting on what you can recall of the events or the issue in question. This should be details of the environment, approximate times, date, location and other specifics which relate to the event
• At the investigation meeting you may wish to be accompanied by a staff representative or a colleague of your choice. It is your responsibility to arrange for the accompanying person to attend the interview and make sure that they are aware of the date, time and location of the interview
• Remain factual and prepare any evidence or questions you may have for the investigating team. You will need to present this at an appropriate time where necessary
• If at any point during the interview you do not understand a question, tell the investigating team. If you require a comfort break during the interview, you should notify the investigating team so they are able to accommodate you