In NSW WEIR is appointed on merit to multiple panels to assess and investigate Code of Conduct complaints made against local council officials.
The Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct set out the process to be followed by Code of Conduct reviewers. We are experienced in following the Procedures and dealing with questions that arise.
All our consultants are subject to a conflict of interest check before being allocated to a Council investigation.
Our consultants draw on their investigative, public sector, ethical and conflict resolution experience to:
- determine whether a complaint is a Code of Conduct complaint
- assess the complaint
- recommend and implement alternative methods of resolution of complaints where this is the appropriate outcome
- draft notices to participants
- ensure procedural fairness
- draft clear reports
- analyse diverse sources of information
In NSW, we are familiar with clause 37 of the Local Government (State) Award 2020 and the Local Government Industry Guidelines on Workplace Investigations and have undertaken numerous investigations of council employees including bullying, assault and misuse of Council resources,
WEIR investigators are familiar with best practice investigation processes, as outlined by ICAC and relevant agencies (for example the NSW Ombudsman’s Office and the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department). WEIR consultants conduct procedurally fair, sound investigations that withstand scrutiny. This includes using an investigation plan, documenting interactions with witnesses and third parties, identifying facts in issue and reviewing the status and progress of the investigation.