Helping you conduct rock-solid investigations

WELCOME TO BASALT SOLUTIONS LTD

I specialise in helping schools, higher education institutions and non-profits conduct efficient, effective, ethical investigations. When complaints and allegations arise involving staff, students, young people or children, how you respond says everything about who you are. I help you protect your community through investigations that respect the value, dignity and rights of all the individuals involved. I help you conduct investigations everyone can trust.

Tim’s experience and insight and his relatable and approachable manner make him an absolute asset to any principal’s network.

Tim knows his stuff.

Investigations you can trust

Education providers and non-profits regularly deal with complaints and allegations involving staff, students, parents, young people, and children. From student bullying to allegations of misconduct against staff or volunteers, it’s important to find out what really happened before making any decisions.

Getting this investigation process right has never been more important if you want to protect your organisation. You’re now held to much higher standards of accountability for ensuring the physical and psychological safety of your people. Transparent reporting and rigorous investigations are the expected standard. Investigations are scrutinised closely and regularly challenged. But beyond compliance and risk management, it’s ultimately about relationships. It’s about people. It’s about ensuring everyone is safe, secure and treated fairly.

I’m Tim Sterne, an independent investigation consultant with extensive experience across criminal, workplace and administrative investigations and a background in education. I lead Basalt Solutions, together with my wife, Natalie.

Specialist expertise with sector focus

My journey began with a focus on the education sector with unique professional development workshops and tailored investigations. The education sector still remains a core focus, but I’ve since extended my services to not-for-profits – responding to a growing demand and recognising the similarities across these sectors. I also provide my workplace investigation service to select commercial and corporate clients by request.

I focus solely on investigations. My commitment to my tradecraft and my understanding of the education and non-profit environments enables me to bring cultural and pastoral sensitivity to my work. Other providers often don’t understand how your sector actually works. I do. I’ve worked in education and served in faith-based communities and engage regularly with leaders across these sectors. I understand your world, enabling me to ask the right questions and see things others might miss.

Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, I’m able to provide my investigation service remotely or travel to work with clients across New Zealand and Australia.