Professional development

Professional Development

Improve your investigations

For many in the school and higher education sector, internal misconduct investigations are conducted by staff with no specialist investigation training. This quickly creates personal and organisational risk.

The best way to learn is from someone with the real-world experience to back up the theory. Tim’s unique and innovative workshops draw on his extensive experience as a Detective Sergeant leading high-stakes investigations. He emphasises the importance of practical scenario-based exercises and the inclusion of psychology principles to improve decision-making. We have courses for schools and the higher education sector.

Our Courses

Introduction to Investigative Interviewing for Schools

Mode: Online self-directed

Duration: 120 minutes

Cost: NZD $150

For anyone working in a day or boarding school conducting investigative interviews with students. This basic and accessible course is an excellent pre-requisite to our in-person investigative interviewing workshop but also serves as a standalone course. All you need is internet access to start learning.

Expect a mixture of reading, videos and quizzes. You can enrol directly as an individual or download a bulk booking form using the buttons below.

Learn how to:

Conduct interviews that are legally compliant and ethical
Avoid memory distortion and contamination
Plan and prepare for an interview
Ask good questions and avoid dangerous ones
Challenge lies and inconsistencies legally and ethically

So many changes I can make to improve my professional practice, it’s hard to single out one. After completing this course I have a much clearer sense of the processes needed for a fair and consistent approach to interviewing. I’m reminded of being aware of bias and the dangers of ‘gut feelings’; the course asks you to take a step (or two) back from our natural inclination to ‘find results’ and instead focus on a trauma informed approach to interviewing which, when done right, is done once!

So good. Love the structure.

I liked the structured aspects of the process. It allows for more coverage of the interview process.

Good overall framework to follow. Interesting about different types of questions. Will be useful to consider going forward.

Mode: In person

Duration: 6 hrs

Cost: From NZD $5,000

This in-house workshop is for anyone working in a school or tertiary institution involved in leading investigations into student behaviour. It equips participants to lead inquiries that are efficient, effective, and legally compliant. It is fully customised to your context and delivered in-person at your premises.

Expect case studies, scenarios, role-playing and interactive discussion.

Learn how to:

Navigate the key cultural trends affecting investigations
Lead investigations that comply with natural justice principles
Assess and manage risk effectively
Plan and document investigations
Avoid bias in your decision-making and judgement

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.

The level of detail surrounding law, legislation etc. was relevant and very thought provoking - what I have been wondering about the last seven years! It will give me further confidence going into tricky situations. We now have a process to follow that we can fall back on.

Content was outstanding. Discussions were relevant. Scenarios spot on. Tim is a brilliant experienced communicator.

Mode: In person

Duration: 6 hrs

Cost: From NZD $5,000

The most common form of evidence in every investigation is personal testimony. Interviewing is how you obtain that evidence. This is true in schools and in tertiary institutions. It’s a fundamental skill for investigating student or staff behaviour.

This in-house workshop provides a practical introduction to the PEACE interviewing method. This framework is considered international best practice. It gives you the best possible chance of obtaining information that is accurate and reliable in a manner that is legally compliant and ethical.

This workshop is fully customised to your context and delivered in-person at your premises.

Expect case studies, scenarios, role-plays and interactive discussions.

Learn how to:

Conduct legally compliant interviews
Avoid memory distortion and contamination
Plan and prepare for an interview
Ask good questions and avoid dangerous ones
Challenge lies and inconsistencies while maintaining relationships

The workshop was very informative and helpful. I learnt a number of new skills and areas to develop and work on, in particular, questioning best practice. It will help with making sure I don’t miss anything and improve my interviewing process as a whole.

Content was amazing. Presentation was excellent and sharp. It will change everything. I thought it was perfect.

It has grown me as a professional in the pastoral space. We have tools and structures to help us be better at dealing with difficult situations. I thought it was great!

Best PD I have had in years. Very helpful and informative.