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What to do if…
an investigator shows up at your workplace asking questions about you

Short answer

Pause, confirm who they are, and say you’re not able to answer questions right now without advice. Ask to arrange any interview through a solicitor (or at least at a later time with support present).

Do not do these things

  • Do not “just explain quickly” to clear it up—off-the-cuff answers can be misunderstood or recorded in ways you don’t control.
  • Do not hand over your phone, passwords, personal notebook, or private messages “to be helpful”.
  • Do not consent to searches of your personal belongings (bag/phone/car) without getting advice first.
  • Do not sign statements, interview notes, or “consent” forms on the spot.
  • Do not let your employer pressure you into an on-the-spot “informal chat” that’s really questioning about alleged wrongdoing.
  • Do not contact colleagues to compare stories or ask what they told the investigator.
  • Do not post about it or message people about details using work systems (email/Teams/Slack).

What to do now

  1. Move to a calmer, more private setting (or end it politely).
    Say: “I’m at work and can’t deal with questions right now. Who are you, and what’s the best way for my solicitor to contact you?”
  2. Confirm who they are and why they’re there—without answering about the allegation.
    Ask to see ID. Note their name, role, agency, and a phone/email for follow-up. Write it down immediately.
  3. Bring in your workplace point of contact.
    Tell reception/your manager/HR: “An investigator is here asking about me. Please join us.”
    If you have security or legal/compliance, ask them to handle access and any document requests.
  4. Set a clear boundary on questioning.
    Use one sentence and repeat it:
    “I’m not answering questions today. I will take legal advice and respond via my solicitor.”
  5. If they ask you to attend an interview (including a voluntary interview): don’t agree on the spot.
    Ask for the request in writing (or an email) and say you will confirm through a solicitor. If they push for “today”, calmly repeat you’re not available without advice.
  6. If your employer tries to question you immediately, slow it down and clarify what meeting this is.
    Ask: “Is this an investigation meeting, or a disciplinary hearing?” and “What is the allegation/topic?”
    • Investigation meeting: there is not usually a legal right to be accompanied, but you can ask to rearrange and request a companion (union rep or colleague) as good practice.
    • Disciplinary hearing (could result in formal action): request your legal right to be accompanied by a trade union representative or a colleague.
  7. If anyone asks to take or copy material, slow it down and document it.
    Ask: “What exactly are you requesting, under what authority, and can you specify it in writing?”
    Make a list of anything provided, copied, or taken (what, when, by whom).
  8. Write a quick, factual note for yourself (avoid doing this on a work device if you can).
    Time/date, who attended, what was asked, what you said (“I’m not answering questions; contact my solicitor”), any documents requested, and any deadlines mentioned.
  9. Get legal advice as soon as you can.
    If this is police/regulatory questioning about a possible offence, a solicitor can arrange communications and advise you on interviews and documents. If you’re in a union, contact your rep too.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether you “should cooperate” beyond basic practicalities.
  • You do not need to write a detailed timeline, gather evidence, or “prepare your defence” right now.
  • You do not need to tell colleagues or justify yourself to your manager in the moment.
  • You do not need to sign anything or hand over personal devices on the spot.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to freeze, over-explain, or want to fix the awkwardness. Holding a boundary—“not today, through my solicitor”—is a reasonable, common response. You are allowed to slow this down.

Scope note

These are first steps only to stabilise the moment and avoid irreversible mistakes. The right next move depends on whether this is police, a regulator, or your employer, and whether you are a witness or a suspect—get tailored legal advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you feel unsafe or believe you are about to be detained, prioritise immediate safety and ask for legal advice as soon as possible.

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