Investigation consultants

WELCOME TO BASALT SOLUTIONS LTD

Helping educators investigate complaints, grievances and allegations involving students and staff

We help you conduct complex investigations everyone can trust - staff, students and the wider community. Develop your internal investigation capabilities with one of our innovative workshops. Obtain expert advice with our on-demand advisory service. Or engage us to conduct an independent investigation or review

It's never been more important to get your investigations right.

Schools and higher education providers frequently deal with serious complaints, grievances and allegations involving students, parents and staff.

bullying
harassment
threats
violence
sexual assault
fraud
drugs
corruption

A failure to respond appropriately leaves students and staff feeling unsafe and can damage the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build. The education sector is an environment unlike any other, involving complex relationships and unique physical environments. In fact, we would argue that you can’t really understand the education sector unless you’ve worked in it yourself. We believe that you, your students and your communities deserve a specialist response.

Where education and investigation meet

Basalt Solutions is owned and operated by Tim and Natalie Sterne. Tim is a former Detective Sergeant with a background as a teacher. Natalie is an experienced school teacher who has also worked as a Professional Practice Lecturer in the tertiary sector.

We serve day and boarding schools, international schools, universities, polytechnics, and residential facilities.

We develop your internal capabilities through our consulting services – professional development and on-demand advice and coaching – and provide independent investigations and reviews. Our specialty is serious misconduct and criminal-risk behaviour.

When you work with us you receive personalised, pragmatic solutions based on real-world experience. Because each education provider is unique, we believe in the value of long-term relationships with our clients. That’s how we can serve you best

Our Services

Consulting

Develop your internal investigation capabilities

Independent Investigations

Independent workplace investigations, reviews, and inquiries

Our leadership team recently went through Basalt's training on investigation processes. It was exceptionally worthwhile. The frameworks and prompts sparked immediate considerations and reflective conversations. We have already applied this thinking to our work and will continue to work with Basalt Solutions to develop best practice. Tim was a great facilitator and his experience and background are invaluable.

Tim’s highly structured approach to managing risk, the experience and insight he brings to a wide range of potential risks, and his relatable and approachable manner make him an absolute asset to any principal’s network.

Tim knows his stuff.

Straightforward, to the point. Tim was direct, and would make it obvious when there were errors and inconsistencies in current practice.

I contacted Tim when our school was going through a challenging internal process. Tim made time for us and provided his support at very short notice. Our staff greatly appreciated his involvement and were reassured by his experience and guidance. He made a very real and positive difference and enabled us to successfully navigate a difficult process. He also ensured our documentation was thorough and well structured. I’m grateful for Tim’s support and recommend his services.

While serious incidents are rare in our school, having a clear and professional approach to investigations is essential when issues do arise. Since attending Tim’s workshop, I’ve found his ideas and advice invaluable - whether I’m leading a process myself or supporting staff who are carrying out investigations. His guidance has helped ensure our responses are thoughtful, fair, and consistent.

Why work with us?

When you partner with us to deal with your investigations, you'll see some important changes.

Victims and complainants will feel safe coming forward. Students and staff will know they’re going to be listened to and that genuine complaints won’t be swept under the carpet. They’ll know they’re going to be treated with sensitivity and professionalism throughout the entire investigation process.

Students and staff accused of wrongdoing will feel comfortable engaging in your processes. They’ll know you don’t make decisions based on rumour, speculation nor gossip. They’ll know that your decision-making is driven by facts and evidence.

Your wider community will have trust and confidence in your processes. You’ll develop and maintain a reputation as the place that deals with serious issues effectively, efficiently and ethically.

Schools

Avoid these three mistakes when interviewing school students

14/01/2025

You're a teacher. You’ve just become aware of a violent incident that’s alleged to have taken place at lunchtime. Again. ...

Higher education

Sexual Harassment and Assault: the Education Sector’s Response

03/10/2024

There’s a critical issue facing the education sector: the need to improve responses to sexual harassment and sexual assault. This...

Schools

Charlotte: an opportunity to reflect

19/09/2024

Australasia's education sector has been rocked by the suicide of the 12-year old from Santa Sabina College in Sydney. Charlotte’s...

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