Internal Investigations Certificate Program

Two-Day, Live Instructor-Led Certificate Program for HR and Employee Relations Professionals

Instructor: Elga Lejarza aPHR, SHRM-CP, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, GPHR

Continuing Education Credits:

• 14 HRCI – HR(General) Credits
• 14 SHRM – PDC’s

Schedule: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time (Detailed Agenda Below)

Why This Internal Investigations Program Is Different

Built From Real Workplace Investigations

This Internal Investigations Certificate Program was built from real workplace investigations, not theory or generic compliance guidance. Today, internal investigations are closely examined by the EEOC, state agencies, plaintiff attorneys, and the courts. As a result, a poorly handled investigation can quickly lead to retaliation claims, credibility concerns, and serious legal exposure.

In many organizations, leaders believe investigations are being conducted properly. However, common mistakes such as delays, inconsistent practices, and incomplete documentation often create unnecessary risk. Because of this, the program was designed to address these realities directly.

Instructor Experience That Shapes the Framework

This program is led by Elga Lejarza, a senior HR professional with more than 30 years of experience handling employee relations issues and sensitive workplace investigations. Throughout her career, she has worked with complex complaints involving misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and policy violations. Therefore, the framework taught in this program reflects how investigations actually unfold in real organizations.

Rather than relying on textbook examples, this course incorporates real-world challenges HR professionals face every day. These include managing emotions, balancing confidentiality, addressing credibility disputes, and responding to leadership pressure. As a result, participants learn how to navigate investigations with confidence and professionalism.

A Structured and Defensible Investigation Framework

Unlike programs that focus only on policies or legal theory, this course provides a structured and defensible investigation framework. Participants learn how to manage investigations from complaint intake through closure. Specifically, the program covers scoping the investigation, planning interviews, assessing credibility, evaluating evidence, and documenting findings.

In addition, participants learn how to communicate investigation outcomes appropriately. This includes knowing what to share, how to share it, and with whom. As a result, investigations are handled consistently and in alignment with legal expectations.

Focus on Risk Prevention and Neutrality

A key focus of this program is preventing legal and organizational risk. Today, investigation missteps often trigger retaliation claims and damage trust. Therefore, this program emphasizes neutrality, fact-based decision making, and consistency throughout the investigation process.

Participants also learn the importance of avoiding legal conclusions while still producing clear and supportable findings. In addition, the program addresses confidentiality boundaries and explains how to set realistic expectations with all parties involved.

Practical, Scenario-Based Learning

This Internal Investigations Certificate Program is practical and scenario-based. Participants work through realistic investigation scenarios and apply best practices in real time. For example, they practice interview techniques, manage defensive or hostile witnesses, and apply credibility assessment principles.

The program also includes investigation tools, templates, and documentation guidance. As a result, participants leave with resources they can immediately use in their organizations.

What Participants Leave With

By the end of the program, participants leave with a repeatable investigation roadmap and increased confidence in handling sensitive complaints. They also gain the ability to conduct investigations that can withstand external scrutiny while maintaining trust inside the workplace.

This program is designed for HR professionals, employee relations practitioners, leaders, and compliance professionals who are responsible for protecting both employees and the organization through sound investigative practices.

Learning Objectives

• By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  • Conduct workplace investigations using a clear, step-by-step framework
  • Confidently manage sensitive employee complaints from intake through closure
  • Apply best practices to prevent retaliation during and after investigations
  • Identify what triggers an investigation and what does not
  • Assess witness credibility and manage conflicting accounts
  • Properly document investigations to meet legal and regulatory expectations
  • Select the appropriate investigator and investigation strategy
  • Communicate findings effectively to leadership and involved parties

Target Audience:

• This program is designed for:

  • HR Managers and HR Directors
  • HR Generalists
  • Employee Relations Professionals
  • Business Owners and Executives
  • Risk Management and Compliance Leaders

Day One – Legal Foundations & Employer Obligations

Federal Laws Impacting Workplace Investigations

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
• Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
• National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
• WARN Act
• COBRA
• HIPAA
• Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)
• Employment-at-will and wrongful discharge principles
• Privacy rights and management authority