Independent investigations require legal expertise, sound judgment and an appreciation of how organisations make difficult decisions. Robin Watson (2022) specialist expertise allows No.18 Chambers to assist in Independent Workplace & Standards Investigations.
Robin brings together experience as an employment law partner, Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, and practising advocate. His experience combines senior employment law practice with responsibility for governance, standards and organisational decision-making within a large public authority, giving him first-hand insight into the legal, procedural and practical issues that arise during independent investigations.
He has advised on investigations, commissioned investigations and conducted numerous workplace and governance investigations throughout his career. Having worked closely with HR throughout his career, advised HR Directors, Chief Executives and elected members, instructed counsel and appeared as counsel, he understands investigations from every perspective. That experience informs Robin's approach to investigations, which are thorough, fair and practical, with reports that assist organisations in reaching well-informed decisions.
Workplace Investigations
We accept appointments to conduct independent investigations into matters including:
- Bullying and harassment
- Discrimination
- Whistleblowing
- Grievances
- Misconduct
- Disciplinary allegations
No.18 Chambers also accepts appointments as an independent chair of disciplinary and appeal hearings.
As Director of Law and Governance for a local authority employing approximately 5,000 staff, Robin Watson worked closely with HR on a wide range of employment issues, regularly advising on complex disciplinary, grievance and workplace matters and conducting investigations involving senior employees and other sensitive allegations. He understands the importance of investigations that are independent, fair and capable of withstanding scrutiny. His reports are clear, balanced and evidence-based, enabling organisations to reach fair and well-reasoned decisions.
Standards & Governance Investigations
Robin has particular experience of local government governance and standards matters and welcomes instructions from Monitoring Officers requiring an independent investigator.
As Director of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, he has advised elected members and senior officers on governance, ethical standards and constitutional matters. He understands not only the statutory framework governing standards investigations, but also the political, organisational and reputational issues that can arise.
No.18 Chambers undertakes investigations into complaints concerning elected members under local authority standards procedures and other governance matters requiring an independent legally qualified investigator. We are also available to chair hearings where an independent legal chair is required.
Chambers welcomes instructions from solicitors, employers, local authorities, public bodies and other organisations requiring an experienced independent investigator in workplace and governance matters, or an independent chair for disciplinary and appeal hearings. We accept instructions throughout England and Wales and is happy to travel where required.
No.18 Chambers also delivers practical training for employers, HR professionals and public bodies on workplace investigations, disciplinary and grievance procedures, whistleblowing, standards and governance, and related employment law issues. Bespoke in-house training can be tailored to the needs of individual organisations.
