Specialisms
I specialise in the following areas:
- Investigations
John is a highly experienced investigator specialising in complex and sensitive workplace matters, with over 35 years investigative experience across policing and higher education.
He previously held the role of Senior Investigator at the University of Cambridge, where he was responsible for investigating academic and professional services grievances, as well as misconduct allegations including bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
Prior to moving into higher education, John served for 33 years with Essex Police, retiring at the rank of Detective Inspector. During this time, he was involved in the investigations of serious and complex cases.
His investigative approach is trauma-informed, impartial, and evidence-led, recognising the importance of conducting investigations in a manner that is respectful, balanced, and mindful of the impact that sensitive matters may have on those involved.
Key Strengths/Area of Expertise
- Investigations
- Assessing Evidence
- Obtaining Accounts
- Providing detailed reports
- Remaining impartial and confident
- Training – John offers bespoke, time manageable training for employees, to equip them with the basic skills and confidence to undertake workplace investigations.
The training will focus on how to best approach, plan and report the investigation. Tips on how to conduct meetings, assess evidence and write factual detailed reports.
As part of the training, John also offers a continuing mentor role, where he is available FREE of CHARGE to advise your investigators if and when the need arises.
Please do get in touch to discuss further how this can benefit your organisation.
Professional Qualifications
John’s key expertise, skills, and continuing professional development include:
- Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP) Level 2 – national accreditation for serious and complex criminal investigations.
- Family Liaison Officer – specialist expertise in communication, listening, and observation, with the ability to manage highly sensitive situations.
- Cognitive Interviewing – advanced techniques to enhance the recall of witnesses.
- Covert Human Intelligence Source Handler – experience in the handling and management of highly sensitive information.
- Trauma-informed approach to investigations (Lime Culture, September 2025)
- ACAS: Conducting Investigations • ACAS: Managing Discipline and Grievance
Testimonials/Case Studies
John is exactly what you would hope for in an investigator – persistent, detail oriented and extremely thorough and always in touch with both the minutiae and the big picture. He is also just a pleasure to work with – open, friendly and an excellent communicator. Could not recommend him more highly. – Senior Academic
I have had the pleasure of working with John since 15th August 2022 and his investigative advice, skills, and guidance have been invaluable not just to the organisation we work for but for my own development. John’s experience and knowledge has allowed for high quality output, organisational consistency, and discussion of learning opportunities. John is always happy to provide expert advice, and nothing is too much for him. His passion for investigations and offering the best service is transparent and I have no doubt that anyone using his services would be anything but delighted with his work. – Investigator – Case Management Team
Dear John
I have been meaning to write to you to say a very sincere thank you for the extremely careful and thorough investigation you conducted in your role as University Investigator. I know it was an enormous amount of work and a very challenging experience which you responded to with the utmost professionalism. Thank you very much for lending us your expertise throughout this difficult case – it was much appreciated. – Senior member of staff University of Cambridge
Notable Achievements/Value Added
John was the officer in the case for a murder investigation and received a Crown Court Judges commendation for his handling of the case and the sensitive way he dealt with the witnesses.
Relevant Sector Knowledge
33 Years service with Essex Police, carrying out various investigative roles. 3 years as Senior Investigator at the University of Cambridge in Higher Education. More recently working with other education providers and public sector companies.