A sensitive and high level issue involving very senior employees requires extreme discretion and impartiality.
Client
International Organisation based in UK
The Situation
A UK based organisation operating internationally identified a potentially serious breach of its conflict of interest provisions by a director, with the knowledge or connivance of the Chief Executive.
At the same time there were significant concerns about the effectiveness of the Finance function in the organisation.
What We Did
Axis was commissioned by the Chair of the executive board to carry out an investigation of the allegations to establish the facts and make recommendations to the board on action to be taken against any individuals and to improve governance across the organisation.
We worked closely with the Chief Internal Auditor and the external auditors. We interviewed several directors, and all of the senior management team, and some overseas staff. We reviewed substantial documentation provided by way of internal reports and emails.
Outcome
We presented a report to the board which recommended action for gross misconduct against the Chief Executive, action under the organisation’s capability process against the Director of Finance, and the removal of a director who had breached the conflict of interest policies of the organisation and his duties as a director.
We recommended changes in the organisation’s governance arrangements including clarity as to delegations to executives and processes for reporting and accountability to strengthen governance and mitigate risks. The Chief Executive left the organisation under a settlement without a disciplinary process, as did the Director of Finance.
"Axis' investigation involved high level personnel which they handled with expertise and professionalism. They also combed through a considerable amount of documentation and liaised with external bodies. The report they produced and the conclusions they reached enabled us to act with certainty and confidence." CS - Senior Manager
Get in touch
For further information on how our experts can assist your company click on Contact Us.
