Investigations
Caritas is proud of the fact that our people are 'mature' in every sense of the word. If called to investigate any aspect of possible malpractice, we will listen carefully, then act diligently and rigorously, tempered with sensitivity; all borne out of a wealth of experience.
The following scenarios have all been encountered and successfully managed to a satisfactory conclusion by Caritas:
Financial
Issues here include straightforward embezzlement of funds, but can also include:
Bribery
For example when directors, trustees, officers or employees accept inducements to influence a decision in favour of a particular supplier or contractor.
Payroll anomalies
When a financial or HR employee creates phantom employees with a view to personal financial gain.
Misappropriation
For example when a financial or HR employee seeks to divert colleagues’ pension contributions.
Misconduct
Issues here take many forms but can include:
Bullying
Perhaps the most distressing and frequent issue which Caritas has to resolve. In most cases bullying is not physical, rather it is psychological, insidious, sometimes going undetected for prolonged periods. Most organisations depend on the goodwill of their employees, it is therefore particularly dismaying when bullying comes to light, and worse, goes unchecked.
Inappropriate behaviour
People working together will inevitably form relationships (sometimes more so) making matters awkward for colleagues. And on occasion, certain behaviour or speech will be unwelcome. In any event, morale can be sapped and goodwill lost if the organisation does not confront the discomfort properly and professionally.
Sexual harassment
A more sinister aspect of human interaction and just the kind of salacious material beloved of the tabloid press. When this type of behaviour is discovered, alleged, or suspected, decisive action must be taken swiftly and competently.
Charities
Expert protection
Charities are uniquely vulnerable to reputational damage and it’s particularly distressing when potential harm arises from within. It is vital therefore that your organisation is expertly protected so that, if an unfortunate event occurs, the difficulty is addressed promptly, and in complete confidence.
Rogue Trustee
Media matters
Bad news days . . .
Leaks
Whistle-blowing is a positive development, and should be encouraged. By contrast, unhelpful leaking to media outlets is a fact of life for most organisations nowadays. It’s simply too easy to do via Social Media (and virtually anonymously). Best to stop the rot ASAP, identify the ‘leaker’, and, together with Caritas, take appropriate action.
Reputational damage management
If a ‘story’ is already in the public domain, or likely to be, Caritas can help via our connection with one of the UK’s largest and most influential PR agencies, well-versed in containing reputational damage.
