Preliminary Assessment
Assess - Investigate?
What is a Preliminary Assessment
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A preliminary assessment prior to undertaking a workplace investigation is an initial evaluation aimed at understanding the nature and source of a conflict or issue within the workplace. This assessment is conducted to determine whether a full investigation is necessary and to clarify the specific issues that need to be addressed. It is particularly useful when there are unclear or conflicting reports about the situation, or when an independent perspective is required.
Key Elements of a Preliminary Assessment
The key elements are described below:
Objective Evaluation
Conducted by an independent party to ensure impartiality.
Information Gathering
Utilises methods such as surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews with employees to collect comprehensive data.
Clarification of Issues
Helps to identify the root causes of the conflict and provides a clear understanding of the problems at hand.
Risk Identification
Identifies potential risks or issues that could escalate if not addressed.
Recommendations
Offers suggestions on whether a full workplace investigation is warranted and provides preliminary recommendations for resolving the issues.
Non-Disciplinary
Unlike a workplace investigation, a preliminary assessment is not disciplinary but rather diagnostic.
What is the process for conducting a preliminary assessment.
Initiation: The assessment is initiated by the employer when there is uncertainty about the source of conflict or a need for an independent review.Data Collection: Information is gathered through various means to get a comprehensive view of the situation. Analysis: The collected data is analyzed to identify key issues and underlying causes. Reporting: A summary of findings is provided, highlighting any risks and offering initial recommendations. Follow-Up: Based on the assessment, the employer may decide to undertake a full workplace investigation or implement other recommended actions to address the issues. A preliminary assessment is a proactive step that helps ensure any subsequent investigation is well-founded and focused on the right issues, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of conflict resolution efforts within the workplace.