HR and complaint investigations - Find a freedom of information request

I am writing to request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 please:

1. HR investigations

(a) On how many occasions did the council commission external personnel or companies to undertake HR investigations (e.g. grievance, disciplinary, whistleblowing, etc) involving council employees during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years?

(b) What was the average cost per investigation to the council for those conducted in FY 2020/21 and FY 2021/22?

(c) Through which routes does the council commission external personnel or companies to undertake these HR investigations?

(d) Does the council require these external personnel or companies to have any specific professional registrations or licences? If so, please state which.

2. Complaint investigations

(a) On how many occasions did the council commission external personnel or companies to investigate complaints from members of the public, customers or service users during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years?
 
(b) What was the average cost per investigation to the council for those conducted in FY 2020/21 and FY 2021/22?

(c) Through which routes does the council commission external personnel or companies to undertake these complaints investigations?

(d) Does the council require these external personnel or companies to have any specific professional registrations or licences? If so, please state which.

 

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. HR Investigations

1(a). Nil - all investigations were undertaken by HR or managers

(b). n/a

(c). n/a

(d) n/a

Complaint Investigations

2. (a) 20/21 - One.

         21/22 - One

(b). Over the two years requested the cost range was £2999-£3499

(c) The council has contracted Investigators. These individuals applied for the contract and were awarded this as a result of their qualifications and experience.

(d). Professional registrations preferred; Social Work; however, the council will consider those with a legal or investigative background.