WORKPLACE ANSWER
What happens at an investigation meeting?
An investigation meeting is held to gather facts about a workplace issue or concern. It is not a disciplinary meeting, but it is an important early step in the process.
Quick Answer
An investigation meeting is a fact-finding exercise. It is not a meeting to decide on disciplinary action. The aim is to see if there is a case to answer.
You should normally be given reasonable notice and told the purpose of the meeting so that you understand what is being investigated and why you have been asked to attend.
What This Usually Means
If you are called to an investigation meeting, your employer is looking into a situation involving conduct, performance, or a grievance. They want to hear your version of events and gather evidence before deciding whether to move to a formal disciplinary hearing.
Investigation Meeting or Disciplinary Meeting?
It is important to know the difference. An investigation meeting is used to establish the facts. A disciplinary hearing is a later formal stage where the employer considers the case, hears the employee's response and decides what action, if any, is appropriate.
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An investigation meeting should not itself result in disciplinary action.
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Before the Meeting
You should normally receive a letter or email inviting you to the meeting. This should explain the reason for the meeting, when and where it will take place and give you reasonable notice. Check your employer's relevant policy so you understand how its investigation process is intended to work.
How to Prepare for an Investigation Meeting
- Review the allegations and prepare your timeline of events.
- Gather any supporting evidence: emails, logs, or messages.
- Identify any witnesses you think should be spoken to.
- Make notes of points you want to ensure are discussed.
- Ask for any information that is being withheld but is relevant.
Can I Take Someone With Me?
There is no general statutory right to be accompanied at a disciplinary investigation meeting. However, your employer's policy may allow it, and Acas says it is good practice for employers to allow someone to accompany you. Other considerations, such as reasonable adjustments for a disabled worker, may also be relevant.
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What Happens During the Meeting?
The investigator will ask questions about the situation. Stay calm and stick to the facts. If you don't remember something, say so - do not guess. If you feel overwhelmed, you can request a short break.
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​Before the meeting ends, make sure you have mentioned anything you think is important and identify any witnesses or information you believe the investigator should consider.
What About Notes From the Meeting?
You may be given a copy of the meeting notes or a witness statement after the meeting and asked to check that it accurately reflects what you said. Read it carefully. If something is inaccurate or important information is missing, explain this promptly and ask for your comments or corrections to be recorded.
What Happens After an Investigation Meeting?
The investigator may need to speak to other people, review documents or carry out further investigation after the meeting.
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Once the investigation is complete, possible next steps could include no further action, an informal way of addressing the issue, further investigation, or progression to a formal disciplinary hearing where appropriate.
Being invited to an investigation meeting does not mean that disciplinary action will necessarily follow.
FAQs
Can I be suspended before an investigation meeting?
Suspension may sometimes be considered while an investigation takes place, but it should not be automatic. An employer should consider whether suspension is reasonable and whether alternatives are available. Suspension should not be treated as disciplinary action.
Do I have to attend an investigation meeting?
You would normally be expected to cooperate with a reasonable workplace investigation. If you cannot attend, tell your employer as soon as possible and explain why. They may rearrange the meeting or consider alternative arrangements. If you repeatedly do not attend, the employer may eventually need to continue the investigation using the information available.
Related WorkAnswers
Understand what happens if an investigation leads to a formal disciplinary hearing.
Practical steps to organise your information, timeline and questions.
Understand when accompaniment rights apply and what may be possible at an investigation meeting.
Start here if you're still unclear about why you've been invited or what type of meeting it is.
Templates
A structured letter to ensure you have the evidence you need before attending.
Important: WorkAnswers provides general workplace information for UK employees. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Workplace situations can depend on individual circumstances.
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