“DES has qualified and experienced staff who can act as external, neutral Investigating Officers and/or be involved in settling problems and disputes in schools and organisations. Our staff have supported Governors, Senior Leadership and staff in disciplinary procedures, accusations of bullying, whistleblowing and personal grievance resolution. Our staff carry out any investigative work in a sensitive, confidential and professional manner and at all times seek to diffuse any anxiety, hostility or ill feeling that can sometimes hinder internal investigations where those involved do not view the process as being impartial. DES will work to your specific brief to resolve the conflict and ensure all parties are aware of the processes, how judgements are arrived at and how the findings/recommendations will be presented. In all cases DES is impartial and objective. DES can supply a neutral Minute taker in addition to an Investigating Officer if the client requires this service.”