A podcast for independent HR and people professionals, and the businesses they support.
Hosted by Mary Asante of HR Independents Ltd.
DATE: 12 May 2025
Episode 49: Investigations and the PEACE Model
Guest: Kate Marston, MaST People Support
In this episode of HR Voices, host Mary Asante is joined by Kate Marston, founder of MaST People Support and former police detective. With a career that spans law enforcement and corporate investigations, Kate shares her expertise on how HR professionals can approach workplace investigations effectively using the PEACE model.
What to Expect in This Episode
- Understanding Investigations in the Workplace
- How investigations go beyond disciplinaries and grievances to support compliance, safety, and fairness.
- Why collaboration between HR, legal, IT, and other departments is critical for effective outcomes.
The PEACE Model Explained
- A breakdown of the PEACE acronym: Planning, Engage & Explain, Account, Closure, and Evaluation.
- Why the model fosters non-confrontational, evidence-based interviews.
- How it’s used across sectors to improve investigation quality.
Best Practice for Conducting Investigations
- How to assess whether an investigation is necessary.
- The importance of terms of reference, planning, and proportionality.
- Managing stakeholders including HR, legal, and PR with transparency and care.
- Keeping impartiality and record-keeping front and center.
- Define clear terms of reference to guide scope and decisions.
- Plan every investigation phase with care, especially interviews.
- Use the PEACE model for ethical, effective interviews.
- Be impartial, not just “independent”—let evidence guide your process.
- Keep thorough records and evaluate your own performance for future improvement.
- Create strong terms of reference to anchor your investigation.
- Take time to plan—not just the steps, but your interview strategy.
- Follow evidence methodically and document your decisions.
- Choose the right investigator—skills, training, and impartiality matter.
- Reflect on every investigation to improve for the next one.
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