The start of an investigation is crucial. How you scope and structure your investigation and crisis management at the beginning will have a big impact on a successful outcome.

In the first episode of the Global Investigations Podcast Series, Andrew Reeves (Partner, Investigations, Enforcement and Compliance team, London) is joined by Ruth Cowley (Head of Disputes and Investigations, London), Keith Rosen (Head of Risk Advisory, US) and Sharon Oded (Head of Investigations, Amsterdam) to discuss your key priorities at the start of an investigation, and provide insight into how best to structure and plan an investigation effectively. 

Key takeaways from the discussion include:

1. The importance of ‘triaging’ your investigation: It is critical to categorise the type and level of investigation at an early stage, to adequately address the correct issues, and in an appropriate order of priority. This will help to determine the structure of the investigation and the investigation team, both of which are important to define from the outset.
2. The need to consider immediate crisis management and requirements to notify: There are a range of steps that may need to be taken at the start of an investigation to protect the organisation’s position, safeguard employees, and manage the immediate crisis. These include considering whether there is a requirement to notify regulators, insurers, and other interested parties such as auditors or lenders, and how best to contain the risk of any underlying issues continuing. 
3. Consideration of the purpose and scope at an early stage is essential: Those leading an investigation should consider what the investigation is setting out to achieve and the steps that are required to facilitate this from the start of the process. This will also include considering and agreeing a time-frame for each stage of the investigation and whether you need to have an overall deadline.