Some new publications

Two new publications from me.

First, I contributed a chapter to this new book:

Under Investigation: Transforming Disciplinary Practice in the Workplace

Edited by Andrew Cooper and Adrian Neal

While employee relations investigations are an important part of organisational practice for managing workplace issues, there is growing evidence of the significant harm they can cause to individuals being taken through them. This harm can also spread further to those involved in their delivery, as well as impacting organisational culture and reputation, leading to financial and economic harm.

Under Investigation proposes a shift in mindset that prioritises employee wellbeing alongside the application of the process, reducing potential harm and creating healthier work environments. Based on a programme of work and research within NHS Wales, it explores the wider impact of employee investigations, considers new approaches to applying disciplinary policy and includes a call to the human resources profession for change.

Second, I co-wrote a paper on leadership, addressing inequality, and more.

Leadership in HR: Balancing People and Process

By Andrew Cooper, Roger Kline, and Marria Aslam

This paper is based on interviews with Chief People Officers (and their equivalent role) from NHS organisations in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Individuals were invited to take part based on the authors’ knowledge of their organisations’ work to review and improve disciplinary processes. Some were at the start of a journey to address issues and concerns. Others were further forward. Of the 19 organisations approached, 16 responded. They represented acute trusts (7), ambulance services (1), community trusts (2), mental health trusts (4) and specialist trusts (2). Apart from a few deputies, the interviewees all held responsibility for People/HR in their organisations and were members of their executive teams. The authors conducted 90 minute interviews with participants between October 2024 and April 2025.