All organisations, particularly in the public sector are often asked to investigate and report on controversial issues or serious events. This may involve a member of the public sustaining an injury on public authority lands or an event of catastrophic proportions such as the Kentstown bus crash.  A thorough examination of a controversial issue or a serious event requires great skill and judgment in how the investigation is carried out. An improper inquiry can not only frustrate an organisation's response to a particular problem if the proper procedures are not followed, but can also expose the organisation to substantial risk of litigation.

Properly reviewing and investigating the particular issue is key to reducing the risk of litigation and exposure for any organisation when presented with a crisis or potential legal difficulty involving the public, their staff or a third party. In addition, it is necessary for them to prepare an informed report so that the organisation can take the appropriate response. Getting to the bottom of a controversial issue or serious event requires adept handling and compliance with important legal obligations.

To address these matters, Public Affairs Ireland, in association with McCann FitzGerald Solicitors, is running a half-day training seminar offering practical advice in relation to investigating and reporting on controversial issues and serious events. This seminar will offer step by step guidance on procedures to be followed once a decision has been made to investigate a matter and to commission a report.

At the end of the seminar, delegates will have an understanding of how to:

• Set up an investigation;
• Appoint an independent investigator;
• Draft the terms of reference;
• Implement fair procedures;
• Circulate or publish the findings.

The seminar aims to address these issues in a practical sense and the discussion will focus on case studies of serious events involving public authorities Including a Child Protection issue and a Public Transport Fatality. 

Practical tips will also be given by experienced legal practitioners who have worked with Government departments, local authorities, state and semi-state bodies to ensure that the procedures followed in carrying out reviews and subsequent reports are legally robust. Practical guidelines that will be offered include guidance on:

• How to gather relevant information;
• The management of an investigations team;
• Instructing and liaising with an independent investigator;
• Deciding on an overall timeframe and setting interim deadlines;
• Amending and editing the report.