Independent Investigations
When something serious happens in a school, an allegation against a staff member, a complex complaint, a safeguarding concern, a whistleblowing disclosure, the school must respond with rigour, fairness, and absolute procedural integrity. An independent investigator brings the expertise, the impartiality, and the protected space the situation demands. Done well, an independent investigation protects children, treats staff fairly, and gives leaders and governors the evidence to act with confidence.
What is an independent investigation?
An independent investigation is a structured, evidence-based inquiry into a specific incident, allegation, or concern, conducted by an external professional with no prior involvement and no stake in the outcome. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, weigh facts against policy and statutory expectations, and produce a clear, written report on findings.
We conduct investigations into safeguarding concerns, allegations against staff, complex parental complaints, whistleblowing disclosures, grievances, and breaches of policy. Our work is procedurally robust, fair to everyone involved, and designed to stand up to scrutiny.
Who is this service for?
It is designed for maintained schools, academies, multi-academy trusts, alternative provisions, independent schools, and SEND units. Headteachers, chief executives, chairs of governors, designated safeguarding leads, and HR leads commission our investigations when impartiality, expertise, and external credibility matter most.
What can we investigate?
We undertake a range of independent investigations, including:
- Allegations against staff, including LADO matters
- Safeguarding concerns and serious incidents
- Whistleblowing disclosures
- Complex or contested parental complaints
- Grievance and disciplinary investigations
- Bullying and harassment allegations
- Breaches of policy, code of conduct, or professional standards
- Information governance and data protection incidents
- Concerns about leadership behaviour or culture
How does an independent investigation help your setting?
Bring genuine impartiality
Internal investigators carry relationships, history, and pressures. An external investigator has none of those. The work is, and is seen to be, impartial.
Protect everyone involved
Children, staff, and complainants all need a fair process. We follow procedure carefully so every person involved is treated with dignity and respect.
Reach defensible findings
Our reports are evidence-based, proportionate, and grounded in policy and statutory expectations. They are written to withstand scrutiny from tribunals, regulators, and inspectors.
Manage risk for the organisation
A weak investigation creates legal, reputational, and safeguarding risk. A strong, independent investigation contains the situation and protects the school.
Free leaders to lead
Investigations are time-consuming and emotionally demanding. Commissioning an external investigator lets your leaders carry on running the school.
Support sound decisions
Clear findings give governors, trustees, and leaders the basis to make decisions confidently, whether that is disciplinary action, dismissal, training, or no case to answer.
Restore trust after a difficult event
An independent process signals to staff, parents, and pupils that the school takes serious matters seriously. That message is powerful in rebuilding confidence.
How our investigations work
- We meet promptly with the commissioning leader to understand the situation and agree terms of reference.
- We plan the investigation, including witnesses, documents, and timescale.
- We conduct interviews fairly, with appropriate notes and processes.
- We review documentary evidence and weigh it against policy and statutory expectations.
- We produce a clear, professional written report setting out findings on each line of enquiry.
- Where appropriate, we make recommendations for action.
What you get at the end
From the investigation, you receive:
- Clear terms of reference agreed in advance
- A fair, procedurally sound investigation process
- Detailed, anonymised interview notes where appropriate
- A professionally written report with findings on each line of enquiry
- Where appropriate, clear and proportionate recommendations
- A defensible record that can support disciplinary, governance, or regulatory decisions
Key features of our service
Procedurally sound and fair — Every step follows good practice and protects the rights of everyone involved.
Experienced investigators — Our team includes former senior leaders, HR professionals, and safeguarding specialists with deep investigation experience.
Clear, defensible reporting — Reports are written to a professional standard and stand up to external scrutiny.
Experience you can draw on
- Schools, trusts and local authorities supported
- 150+
- Years of education experience
- 20+
- Experts in our network
- 50+
- Quality Marks developed
- 10
Why choose Jarvis Education?
Independent investigations are sensitive, complex, and consequential. Our investigators are experienced in education and understand the regulatory and safeguarding context, including LADO, KCSIE, and Working Together. We bring rigour, fairness, and discretion, and we deliver findings that are robust enough to act on with confidence.
Next steps & how to get started
- Speak to one of our experts in confidence. We will listen to the situation, explain how we work, and propose the right scope for the investigation.
- Once we agree terms of reference, we confirm everything in writing and begin work quickly. In serious matters, speed and care are equally important.
- Contact us today, in confidence, to discuss an independent investigation in your school, academy, trust, or alternative provision.
- We are ready to handle the most sensitive matters with rigour and care.
How we work with you
We listen first
A conversation with Shaun, our Founder & CEO, to understand your setting and what has prompted the call.
We bring the right expertise
We match you with experienced people who understand your setting.
We help you move forward
Clear priorities, practical next steps and someone alongside you while you put them in place.
Not sure whether this is what you need?
Tell us what has prompted the question. We will give you an honest view, and we will say so if we think something else would serve you better.
Let’s talk!
Hello, I’m Shaun.
Tell me what you need and I’ll come back to you personally.