Overview

Unlike ordinary conversations, fact-finding discussions require careful listening, appropriate questioning, and an awareness of how language, bias, and stress can influence a person’s responses and their memory.

Handouts and resource materials will be provided.

Duration

3 hours (including short breaks and group discussions)

Who is this training for?

Teams involved in supporting student investigations and student welfare, HR staff, and other colleagues across the university involved in fact-finding or information-gathering discussions.

Purpose

To improve confidence and competence in conducting fair, neutral, and effective fact-finding or information-gathering discussions. The session focuses on developing communication and questioning skills, the foundations of understanding the role of memory, and recognising the impact of trauma and neurodiversity.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, delegates will be able to:

1. Understand the importance of neutrality and fairness in information-gathering discussions.
2. Use effective and appropriate questioning and listening techniques.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of how memory works and the implications for fact-finding or information-gathering discussions.
4. Recognise how poor communication can have serious legal, ethical, and organisational consequences.
5. Apply practical communication strategies to improve the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of fact-finding or information-gathering discussions.