Handling Sexual Harassment Investigations with Care

When a sexual harassment allegation is raised, how confident are you in your organisation’s ability to respond — fairly, sensitively and effectively?

In this on-demand webinar, our expert panel explores how to approach investigations with integrity, professionalism and care. From managing anonymous reports to knowing when to involve law enforcement, we look at the practical realities of handling these cases well — and the risks of getting it wrong.

Drawing on decades of experience in policing, safeguarding, and workplace investigations, our panellists share real-world insights to help HR teams, legal and compliance leads, and line managers navigate some of the most complex and sensitive issues in today’s workplace.

Key points that we covered:

Handling with care: Why investigations into sexual harassment must be sensitive, structured and survivor-focused — and how to avoid bias, poor documentation, or procedural missteps.
Anonymous complaints: How to respond when you don’t know who raised the concern — and why anonymous doesn’t mean irrelevant.
Criminal vs workplace thresholds: Understanding when an issue should be referred to the police — and how to avoid contaminating evidence early on.
The role of the line manager: Why most reports go to managers first — and why training and clarity are essential to ensuring the right first response.
Multi-jurisdictional issues: What to do when allegations span countries — and why understanding local law is vital when operating internationally.

Key takeaways:

The way you investigate matters: A fair, thorough process helps build trust — not just resolve a case.
Most managers aren’t trained investigators: But many are asked to act like one. Giving them the tools to respond properly is crucial.
Anonymous doesn’t mean you can’t act: Thorough investigations are still possible. How you handle them sends a strong message about your culture.
Not everything stays in-house: Some cases need to be handed to the police — but how you get there matters. The line isn’t always clear.

Meet the speakers:

Joanna Lewis

Managing Director, Safecall

Joanna is the Managing Director of Safecall. She leads the Safecall business teams in delivering confidential whistleblowing services, training, and independent investigations on behalf of organisations around the world. As part of that role, Joanna sees the effect that whistleblowing reporting has on promoting positive working cultures and preventing or mitigating damage to business reputations.

Dennis Shotton

Expert workplace investigations consultant

As a former detective superintendent and magistrate, Dennis is an expert workplace investigations consultant. He has supported many organisations with difficult and complex investigations, and has a wealth of experience and knowledge. Dennis is also an accomplished facilitator, delivering interactive and highly informative investigator training programmes based on best practices and 30 years of policing experience.

Professor Gary Shaw MBE

Professor of Investigative Practice

Professor Gary Shaw MBE is a nationally recognised expert in investigative interviewing with over 45 years’ experience in policing and criminal investigation. A former Detective Chief Inspector and National Adviser to the National Crime Agency, he has supported major investigations involving serious and sensitive allegations. Now Professor of Investigative Practice at the University of Sunderland, he leads professional development for investigators and was awarded an MBE for services to policing.

Shaun McKillop

Trusted expert in sexual harassment investigations

Shaun is a leading expert in workplace investigations, with over 30 years of experience tackling serious sexual offences during a distinguished career with Police Scotland. As a former Detective Superintendent and trained Senior Investigating Officer, Shaun has led and supported complex investigations across the UK and internationally. Now working closely with Safecall, he specialises in investigating workplace sexual harassment and misconduct, bringing a calm, methodical, and highly informed approach to sensitive and high-stakes cases. Shaun also advises government departments on safeguarding in global contexts, making him uniquely placed to share practical insights into handling allegations with integrity, fairness, and impact.

Ready to take the next step?

Our Tackling Sexual Harassment: The Manager’s Guide training equips line managers with the tools they need to respond appropriately and confidently when concerns arise. Available online or onsite.

Tackling Sexual Harassment Training: The Manager’s Guide

Tackling Sexual Harassment: The Manager’s Guide is designed to empower people managers with the confidence and knowledge needed to help prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.

This prevention of sexual harassment training course covers relevant legislation, risk factors, and the impact of workplace culture on sexual harassment, providing managers with practical advice on encouraging employees to speak up, responding effectively, and taking appropriate action.

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