Mary Crean is the Principal at First Workplace Solutions, bringing extensive expertise in workplace investigations and HR consulting. Called to the Bar in London in 1996, Mary is an experienced professional with a distinguished background as a Barrister. Her extensive expertise in highly complex and sometimes sensitive investigations, combined with her skills as a mediator, establishes her as a trusted advisor for businesses seeking independent and professional guidance in navigating complex workplace matters.
Mary has built a strong reputation for providing clear, actionable HR advice and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges organisations face in managing staff, and Mary excels in providing practical, procedurally sound solutions tailored to the unique needs of both large and small businesses. Her ability to navigate complex HR issues has made her a trusted advisor to employers, franchisees, and HR professionals. She understands the complexities of managing staff in large and smaller organisations and excels in providing practical, procedurally sound solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
An investigation is crucial when there are allegations of bullying, breach of policy or other serious misconduct in the workplace. While a senior in-house HR practitioner may feel comfortable handling ‘non-complex’ matters involving junior to mid-tier staff, engaging an independent investigator is the preferred approach for more complex cases. This includes matters with multiple complainants, respondents, or witnesses, cases involving senior members of the organisation or matters with voluminous materials to review. Often, HR Partners will not have the capacity to dedicate the time a workplace investigation demands, making independent expertise essential for a thorough, timely and impartial process.
Further, when dealing with investigations involving senior managers or even the Executive, it is generally advisable, to ensure impartiality, credibility, and fairness, that the individual overseeing the investigation should be positioned at a more senior level within the organisation. This is often not possible, and in those cases, serious consideration should be given to appointing an external investigator.
Mary Crean is your local independent external Workplace Investigator in Brisbane. Mary provides thorough and professional investigations tailored for corporate employers, HR departments, legal professionals, not-for-profits, government organisations, and small to medium-sized businesses. Mary has also conducted investigations under the National Redress Scheme, dealing with historic abuse allegations. She ensures that every inquiry is conducted with integrity, safeguarding your organisation’s reputation while adhering to legal requirements.
Mary has extensive experience managing investigations in the care sector, having travelled across Australia to undertake investigations and inquiries in culturally diverse Aged Care Homes over the past decade, providing reliable investigation outcomes for aged care providers, some of which have been subject to scrutiny from governing bodies.
Mary’s experience as a Barrister, specialising in the examination-in-chief of children, vulnerable adults, and the elderly, has equipped her with a unique skill set perfectly suited for investigations within the care sector, educational institutions, children’s homes and other environments where a sensitive yet robust and procedurally fair approach is essential. Her ability to navigate complex, high-stakes situations with empathy and professionalism ensures that investigations are both thorough and respectful, safeguarding the rights of all involved.
Mary holds a LL.B (Hons) 2:1 England, Admission as a Barrister 1996 England and Wales, Admission as a Solicitor Queensland 2010, Working with Children Card for NSW, Blue Card for Queensland. She is also a licenced investigator (Certificate III) and holds a current Class 1 Security Provider Licence issued by the Queensland Government.
Mary Crean has extensive experience as a specialist workplace investigator who, with a background as a Barrister at Law, understands the nuances of evidence, the importance of applying the correct legal principles to a case, and how the integrity of the investigation ensures transparency and adherence to due process and procedural fairness.
Contact Mary Crean today for a no-obligation consultation about your workplace concerns.
We provide trusted workplace investigations across all Greater Brisbane Suburbs, offering impartial and professional services to address issues around harassment, misconduct, and policy breaches. We ensure fairness and compliance with local workplace laws.
First Workplace Solutions
Book a consultation with Mary Crean and benefit from her robust approach to evidence examination and sensitivity in resolving workplace conflicts.
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