Independent Investigations

Members of Cloisters Chambers are recognised leaders in conducting independent investigations across a broad range of sectors and professional environments. Barristers at Cloisters are regularly instructed in matters involving serious allegations, significant reputational risk, and anticipated scrutiny from regulators, stakeholders, governing bodies and the public.

Instructions range from KC-led investigations into entire organisations, boards and senior executives, to investigations conducted by junior counsel into complex, sensitive and document-heavy complaints. Across all matters, members bring analytical rigour, independence and forensic attention to detail.

Investigations undertaken by members frequently involve issues relating to whistleblowing, discrimination, harassment, safeguarding, governance failures, misconduct and regulatory compliance. Reports produced by members are designed to withstand close scrutiny, including within tribunal and court proceedings.

To discuss a potential instruction, please contact the clerking team: clerks@cloisters.com

Members have been instructed across a wide range of sectors, including:
- Charities
- Education and higher education
- Finance
- Legal and professional services
- Media and culture
- Professional services
- Sport
- Corporate and commercial organisations
Members are particularly experienced in matters where investigations intersect with reputational management, governance concerns, safeguarding obligations and sensitive workplace dynamics.
Recent instructions have included:
- An independent investigation for a national charity into allegations concerning the Chair of the Board
- A political party investigation into internal complaints and governance concerns
- A complex whistleblowing and discrimination investigation within the energy sector
- An investigation into allegations of sexual harassment within a large organisation
Many investigations undertaken by members are confidential and therefore cannot be publicly referenced.
Published investigations by members include:
- Akua Reindorf KC – Independent report for the University of Essex concerning no-platforming and freedom of expression
- Daphne Romney KC – Independent report into sex discrimination, harassment and bullying within the BMA
- Rebecca Tuck KC – Independent report into antisemitism within the NUS
Members are frequently instructed in matters attracting public, regulatory and media scrutiny.
Members regularly work collaboratively with instructing solicitors and organisations from the outset of an investigation, including advising on:
- Terms of reference
- Procedural frameworks
- GDPR compliance
- Safeguarding obligations
- Regulatory reporting considerations
- Internal governance processes
Barristers at Cloisters are known for delivering investigations that are thorough, fair, independent and procedurally robust.
Members are also experienced in providing post-investigation support, including:
- Training
- Mediation
- Workplace resolution strategies
- Governance recommendations
- Organisational support following findings and recommendations
This includes assisting organisations where workplace relationships, trust or internal culture have been affected following an investigation.