Investigative Interviewing and Report Writing course at CTS College empowers professionals to lead fair, effective, and legally sound workplace investigations. Through practical, hands-on training, participants will learn the internationally recognized PEACE model of interviewing, gaining the skills to plan and conduct structured interviews, ask the right questions, collect accurate information, and produce clear, evidence-based reports. Ideal for HR professionals, supervisors, and compliance officers, this course builds confidence, promotes objectivity, and equips you to handle sensitive matters with professionalism and precision.

What you will learn

Benefits

1. Enhanced Interviewing Skills
   Learn how to conduct fair, ethical, and structured interviews using the PEACE model—ensuring professionalism and accuracy.
2. Improved Report Writing
   Gain the confidence and ability to write clear, factual, and legally sound investigative reports that support decision-making.
3. Legal and Ethical Awareness
   Understand the legal implications and ethical responsibilities in handling sensitive workplace matters.
4. Consistency and Structure
   Use proven templates and techniques to bring consistency and objectivity to the investigative process.
5. Critical Thinking Development
   Strengthen your ability to assess evidence, identify contradictions, and draw logical conclusions.
6. Workplace Compliance & Risk Reduction
   Minimize legal exposure and reputational risks by documenting processes properly and conducting investigations correctly.
7. Increased Professional Credibility
   Build your confidence and reputation as a fair and competent investigator within your organization.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

·       Computer Literate

·       Work experience will be an asset 

Course Details

Course Content

Introduction & Objectives

• Overview of course objectives and expectations
• Importance of investigative interviewing and report writing in the workplace

Introduction to Investigative Interviewing

• Definition and purpose of investigative interviewing
• Contexts in which investigative interviews are conducted (disciplinary, grievance, compliance, etc.)
• Differences between investigative and informal interviews

The Qualities of a Good Interviewer

• Key characteristics: neutrality, active listening, empathy, objectivity, emotional control
• Do's and Don'ts of interviewing behaviour

The PEACE Method Overview

• Introduction to PEACE model:
• Preparation and Planning
• Engage and Explain
• Account, Clarification and Challenge
• Closure
• Evaluation

Applying the PEACE Method – Step-by-Step

• Preparation & Planning: Creating interview plans, setting objectives, question planning
• Engage & Explain: Establishing rapport, explaining rights and procedures
• Account: Using open questions, avoiding leading or closed questions, clarification techniques
• Closure: Confirming key points, ending interviews professionally
• Evaluation: Reviewing interview quality and planning next steps

Interview Preparation & Ethical Considerations

• Ethical responsibilities of the interviewer
• Legal considerations (e.g., due process, confidentiality)
• Interviewee rights

Interview Techniques & Common Pitfalls

• Types of questions (open, probing, summarizing, clarifying)
• Interviewer errors and how to avoid them
• Maintaining objectivity and neutrality

Introduction to Investigative Report Writing

• Purpose and use of investigative reports
• Audiences of reports (HR, legal, management)
• Core components of a report

 Characteristics of a Quality Report

• Accuracy, objectivity, completeness, and clarity
• Use of evidence and logical structure

 Steps in Report Writing

• Data gathering and analysis
• Outlining the report
• Writing and reviewing

Analytical/Critical Thinking in Report Writing

• Spotting inconsistencies
• Evaluating credibility of sources
• Drawing logical conclusions

Practical Exercise – Simulated Interview & Report Writing

• Participants work in pairs or triads (interviewer, interviewee, observer)
• Use PEACE method to conduct interview
• Write short investigative report using provided template

Review, Key Takeaways & Evaluation

• Recap of key lessons
• Participant Q&A
• Course evaluation and closing remarks

Current Offerings