Been told you're being investigated, or stood down while it happens?
Here's what the process actually involves, and what to do next.
Being investigated or stood down can feel like you've already been judged before anything's been decided. This page explains what a fair process should look like, what your rights are during it, and when to get advice.
Questions people ask about workplace investigations
Being stood down usually relates to a genuine operational reason (no useful work available), while suspension is typically part of a disciplinary or investigation process, often on pay while things are looked into. The rules and your entitlements differ between the two.
Generally you're expected to cooperate with a genuine, reasonable investigation, but you're not without rights, including understanding what you're being asked about and having support. Get advice if you're unsure what you're required to answer.
Often yes, similar to a disciplinary meeting. See our page on disciplinary meetings and support persons for more detail.
No. Even a finding against you should be followed by a fair process on what happens next, proportionate to what was actually found, not an automatic jump to dismissal.
Get advice before your next step
Tell us where things are at, whether you've had a first meeting, been stood down, or something else.
Tell us what happened
Takes about two minutes. No long intake form, the detail comes later, once a real adviser is involved.