Example correspondence It is alleged that you have acted carelessly in the performance of your duties by failing to provide the information requested of you by your Director General, as outlined in email correspondence on 22 April 2011 (see copy of email attached). Specifically: The Director General requested that you provide information relating to your meeting with the lobbyist organisation known as ‘Undue Influence Pty Ltd’. The Director General also requested that you provide information relating to your meeting with the company trading as ‘Coercion Incorporated’. You failed to respond to the Director General, despite reminders sent to you on the following dates: 23 April 2011, 24 April 2011 and 25 April 2011 (copies attached). It is presented that you opened and viewed these emails as demonstrated in the attached email log. Step 3 – Construct an investigation plan It is recommended that you start your investigation by drawing up an investigation plan. This plan need not be overly complex or complicated, but will provide you with a general outline of how you think the investigation may unfold. Your plan can be used to allocate times for interviewing witnesses and the respondent, and also highlight critical dates or times where you may not be available due to other work commitments or absence. It is recommended that you your investigation by drawing up an investigation plan to highlight interview times and critical dates. The investigation plan will assist working out the estimated time it will take to complete the investigation. The time frames should sufficient time to plan, collect and analyse documents, interview the witnesses and the respondent, and write the report. An example of an investigation plan and time line is included in Appendix A. At this point, it may be advisable to seek input from more experienced investigators. You can also contact the Conduct and Standards Directorate to help you determine what evidence you will require to substantiate the allegations.
Appendix B – chronology Investigation chronology Respondent: Mr Bloggs Corporate File: W12345678 Date Significance/ comment Reference Wed, 29 July 2009 Mr Bloggs contacted Mr Smith by email concerning Cabinet decision on site development Possible breach of Cabinet confidentiality record ref. no. 12 Thu, 30 July 2009 Mr Smith forwarded Mr Blogg’s email to local newspaper Possible breach of Cabinet confidentiality Email record ref. no. 13 Sat,1 August 2009 Local newspaper runs story stating local developers won’t be given opportunity to submit tenders for work Local developers contact Minister’s office regarding article p. 3 The News Saturday, 1 August 2009
Appendix C – Sample running sheet Investigation running sheet Respondent: Mr Bloggs Corporate File: W12345678 Number Date/time Action taken 1 Mon, 10 August 2009 Received letter of direction to investigate Investigation commenced 2 Thu, 13 August 2009 Rang and spoke to respondent 3 Fri, 14 August 2009 Meeting with senior staff of agency to discuss investigation Awaiting delivery of agency files 4 Wed, 19 August 2009 Was contacted by lawyer acting on behalf of Mr Bloggs—he requested a copy of all documents being considered Undertook to provide a list of documents to be considered 5 Fri, 31 August 2009 Rang and spoke to witness #1 and organised to meet for interview on 8 September 6 7 8 9 10