Jenni-Maree has extensive experience undertaking workplace investigations throughout New Zealand. She has undertaken investigations for all sizes of Employers including charitable organisations, large international corporates, and Government Departments.
As a former Member of the Employment Relations Authority, and as a lawyer with 25 years’ experience, Jenni-Maree has an invaluable resource of investigation experience, and depth of knowledge. Jenni-Maree is independent and impartial, which enables her to be truly objective. At all times she ensures a thorough and fair process is undertaken.
Investigations are confidential. This often makes it difficult for an employer to decide who to engage to investigate its workplace issues. In Jenni-Maree’s case, employers are able to view over 130 published examples of her determinations while she was a Member of the Employment Relations Authority.
Testimonials
Solicitor for Employer – Jenni was instructed to undertake an independent external workplace investigation on behalf of one of our clients. The circumstances were difficult and the conduct being investigated was not straightforward, so I was extremely impressed with how quickly Jenni was able to focus on the fundamental issues. The investigation itself and the final report were completely comprehensive and Jenni’s communication throughout was excellent. Aside from the high standard and general professionalism of her work, Jenni’s disarming character means she is a pleasure to work with; I look forward to doing so again in the future.
Employer – As a charitable trust, we found ourselves in a difficult employment situation when we received a formal complaint from two employees, regarding bullying and workplace stress. Needing to take urgent and strong action we researched locally and engaged Jenni-Maree to assist us. The background to the issue (we are not a large complex organisation) required full investigation. It included two paid employees, a committee of volunteers, a history of this behaviour, and a lack of understanding about the duty of care and legal obligations on us, to provide a psychologically safe workplace.
Jenni-Maree’s background through the Employment Relations Authority, and her professional expertise, gave us great confidence that we were in safe hands and the issue would be navigated to the right conclusion. She was efficient and thorough. She provided a clear process and timeframe and worked though the investigation (12 interviews) concisely, fully attentive to our charitable status. Her job was to elicit the facts – and she did. When several ‘curve balls’ appeared along the way, Jenni- Maree was reassuring, that this was not unusual; in fact, could be expected.
As an independent legal expert (with vast experience), Jenni-Maree’s report and recommendations were practical and factual. It signalled to the committee, that the issues raised were serious and needed to be rectified immediately. Her report also spelt out the risk associated with accepting this behaviour as an employer.
In short, as a member of the committee, I have utterly no hesitation in recommending Jenni-Maree Trotman for employment related expertise.