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Welcome to AWI

Our Mission. The mission of the Association of Workplace Investigators is to promote and support workplace investigations as a distinct area of expertise and to enhance the quality of workplace investigations.

Who We Are. AWI encompasses all workplace investigations, whether performed internally or externally, addressing matters such as workplace misconduct (for example, violations of employer policies, ethical violations, fraud, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and violence), job performance, workplace safety, audits, job function analyses, and whistleblowing allegations.

What We Do. AWI accomplishes this mission by providing training and continuing education, publishing articles of common interest, creating opportunities for networking and discussion of common concerns, identifying guiding principles and ethical standards, and making available other services of value to workplace investigators.

Guiding PrinciplesGuiding Principles Pamphlet Available Without Charge

News & Announcements

Authors Needed for AWI Journal

Toronto AWI Meeting

Eliminating Bias Webinar July 31

NLRB Confidentiality Update

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Featured Member

Featured Member

Robin Oaks

Robin Oaks

Robin Oaks is an attorney who practices exclusively as an independent workplace investigator, trainer, and conflict resolution consultant. Ms. Oaks worked as an employment and education law attorney for twelve years. Since 1997 she has focused her practice on conducting investigations and resolving conflicts in both the public and private sectors. She began her legal career in 1985 as a judicial law clerk for Judge John Garrett Penn, District Court, District of Columbia, who was the trial judge for Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson, the landmark case in which the Supreme Court first recognized a hostile environment claim under Title VII. A former public school teacher and law school instructor, Ms. Oaks has special expertise investigating sexual harassment and discrimination complaints arising in schools and public institutions.  She has written extensively about investigations, including the chapter, “Cross Cultural Issues and Sexual Harassment,” in a national textbook published by Allyn & Bacon, and the section on conducting investigations in Educator’s Guide to Controlling Sexual Harassment, published by Thompson Publishing Group.

See all sustaining members.

Why Join AWI?

The Association of Workplace Investigators, Inc. (AWI) is the only professional association for people who do workplace investigations. This includes professionals from many fields--attorneys, human resources, private investigators, auditors, security and loss prevention specialists, and threat assessors. AWI is the place to come together to network, establish best practices, and train and educate the public and each other about what we do.

  • Local Circles of Colleagues--AWI provides local circles of colleagues for members to get together periodically in small groups in their local areas. E-mail membership@aowi.org to participate.
  • AWI Quarterly--AWI publishes a quarterly newsletter that focuses on the law and practice of workplace investigations--it will keep investigators up to date on best practices and the cutting edge of the law. Click here to view a sample issue of the AWI Quarterly. E-mail publications@aowi.org to suggest topics for, or to offer to write or review articles for, upcoming issues.
  • Education--AWI holds educational seminars on workplace investigations--from the basics to the advanced. Members receive significant discounts on seminars and training. E-Mail education@aowi.org to suggest topics for future training session.
  • Listserv--By sending out questions through AWI's members only listserv investigators can get quick answers to general questions from experienced investigators throughout the state.
  • Establishing Best Practices--AWI members will be working together to establish best practices for workplace investigations. As a member you can be involved in this process and have your voice heard.
  • Membership Directory--AWI's website lists its members so the public can find you and investigators can find each other. Sustaining members are prominently identified on AWI's website and have a link to their website.
  • Website--The AWI Website is the place to go for information about workplace investigations. AWI will be developing a "members only" section where professional resources will be available.
  • Certification--Be involved in AWI's efforts to determine whether, and if so how, workplace investigators should be certified. In the meantime, AWI will offer a national-level, intensive Training Institute for Workplace Investigators and issue a Certificate of Completion.
  • Legislation--AWI will monitor legislation and make recommendations to the legislature on issues important to workplace investigators, such as licensing and who can conduct outside investigations.

 

Click here to join AWI