Integrity investigation — the foundation of a trustworthy organisation

Integrity as foundation: why breaches cause so much damage

Integrity breaches are among the most underestimated risks for organisations. Whether it concerns fraud, conflicts of interest, abuse of power or violation of codes of conduct, the consequences reach far beyond direct financial loss. Trust from employees, clients and stakeholders can be destroyed in a short time and is extraordinarily difficult to restore.

The Scientific Research and Documentation Centre (WODC) has conducted extensive research into integrity issues in both the public and private sectors. The conclusion is clear: organisations that do not invest in an integrity culture and do not respond adequately to signals of integrity breaches run a significantly higher risk of structural misconduct.

Research from Leiden University confirms this picture and adds that organisational culture is a determining factor: in organisations where integrity breaches are tolerated or where employees are afraid to report misconduct, the chance of recurrence is considerably greater.

A professional integrity investigation by an independent investigation agency provides organisations with the objective facts needed to act adequately — whether it concerns disciplinary measures, organisational improvements or legal steps.

When is an integrity investigation necessary?

Not every complaint or irregularity justifies a full investigation. But there are situations where a professional integrity investigation is not only desirable but necessary:

• Suspicions of fraud, embezzlement or bribery by employees or directors
• Conflicts of interest where decisions serve private rather than organisational goals
• Whistleblower reports requiring careful and impartial investigation
• Unwanted behaviour such as intimidation, discrimination or harassment
• Compliance violations exposing the organisation to fines or reputational damage
• Suspicious transactions or unexplained relationships with suppliers or clients

Europol emphasises that corruption and integrity fraud are not limited to the public sector — the private business community is increasingly confronted with internal and external integrity threats, partly due to the globalisation of supply chains and digitisation of business processes.

The approach to a professional integrity investigation

At SAJ Recherche, we conduct integrity investigations with a fixed methodology that safeguards objectivity, thoroughness and legal admissibility.

• Assignment formulation defining precise research questions and scope
• Information gathering from documents, financial records and digital data
• Structured interviews with involved parties, witnesses and reporters
• Analysis and hearing both sides to ensure fairness and completeness
• Factual reporting of findings without judgements, for the client to act upon

All work is conducted under POB licence 8779, in compliance with the Wpbr and GDPR. Special attention is given to protecting the identity of reporters and witnesses.

The pitfalls of internal investigation

Many organisations are inclined to conduct integrity investigations internally, for example through HR, compliance or the legal department. While understandable from cost and speed perspectives, internal investigation carries significant risks:

• Lack of objectivity due to internal hierarchies and collegial ties
• Limited expertise in interview techniques, evidence and legal frameworks
• Lower legal durability as internal reports are more easily challenged
• Greater risk of leaking the reporter’s identity, discouraging future reports

Practical example: conflict of interest at healthcare institution

A healthcare institution engaged SAJ Recherche after whistleblower reports indicated a board member was awarding contracts to a family member’s company. Our investigation confirmed a structural conflict of interest spanning over three years: contracts were awarded without disclosure of the relationship and without following procurement procedures. We also discovered the board member personally profited via an intermediary construction. During the hearing of both sides, the board member acknowledged the contract awards but denied the financial scheme; our report contained sufficient evidence to document the full course of events. The supervisory board dismissed the board member and recovered the improper payments.

Integrity is not a luxury but a necessity

An organisation that does not actively safeguard its integrity runs the risk of financial damage, reputational harm and legal consequences.

Signals of integrity breaches within your organisation? Contact SAJ Recherche for a confidential consultation.