Back to previous page Independent Investigations About: Independent Investigations Our team of specialist lawyers have particular expertise in conducting and supporting complex and highly sensitive internal investigations. Increasingly organisations appoint external counsel to advise on and also conduct independent investigations, as the potential exposure to legal claims and the reputational risk has increased. Equally individuals affected will also require support. Our team includes partners from our employment, education, charities and ecclesiastical teams, who can both support and lead independent investigations. Our core sectors include professional practices, financial services, charities, educational organisations including universities, independent schools, maintained schools, academies and the Church. What we do: Acting as independent investigators to conduct the investigation process, interviewing the key protagonists and witnesses and preparing an investigation report, including recommendations. Advising organisations (schools, regulatory bodies, partnerships and companies) on the investigation process, including legal obligations, managing risk and any media statements, recommending next steps (which may involve disciplinary proceedings and dismissals) and reviewing lessons learnt. Advising individuals against whom a complaint has been raised on the investigation process, position statements, risk and strategic approach. Advising individual complainants on the investigation process and next steps. We are experienced in dealing with investigations involving corporate mismanagement, fraud, regulatory breaches, malpractice and misconduct, including alleged sexual harassment and bullying. Key contacts Bettina Bender Partner, London View Profile View Team Owen Carew-Jones Partner, London View Profile View Team Jo Keddie Senior Partner and Head of Employment, London View Profile View Team Susan Kelly Partner, London View Profile View Team Andrea Squires Partner and Head of Education, London View Profile View Team Alison Talbot Partner and Head of National Charities, Oxford View Profile View Team Latest Posts Bettina Bender features in Accountancy Age with an article on alleged sexual misconduct Read more Bettina Bender is quoted in People Management Read more Bettina Bender features in HR magazine Read more View more Independent Investigations posts Back to homepage Find Us Find a person Specialisms Client Portals and Extranets Terms of use Privacy and Cookies Notices Modern Slavery Policy Client Feedback Survey Complaints Process Scam alerts © Winckworth Sherwood LLP Winckworth Sherwood LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with the registered number OC334359 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Our VAT registration number is 183 8680 66. A list of members is open to inspection at the registered office, Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London SE1 9BB. The term 'partner' is used to refer to a member. Our SRA ID number is 570274.