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Closing an investigation with no further action
No further action: Explain why an investigation is closing and what the employee can expect next.
Anonymised practice examples drawn from cases handled by our team.
No further action: practical approach
A fair approach means assessing the particular allegation against the available material and explaining the reason for stopping. Different reasons should not be collapsed into one: an inability to establish facts is not necessarily affirmative proof that the event did not occur. The written conclusion should stay within the report’s remit and identify any material uncertainty.
What to check and record
Communication should confirm the procedural outcome and any immediate practical implications. Where temporary restrictions were imposed, their continuing purpose should be reconsidered. Any separate support or working-relationship actions should be explained as such, rather than presented as an undisclosed sanction after a no-further-action decision.
Learning for managers
The learning here is that an investigation should be capable of ending without sanction, while retaining an accurate account of what was and was not determined.
Manager checklist
- Explain the reason for closure
- State material uncertainty accurately
- Reconsider temporary restrictions
- Separate continuing support from sanctions
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Further reading
Acas: disciplinary and grievance procedures
General guidance for Great Britain. Use the relevant policy and advice for a live case.
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