From Crisis to Culture Change Workplace Investigation in a Recreation Organization
Independent investigation and systematic culture remediation transformed a recreation organization facing multiple harassment allegations into a model of workplace accountability.
Findings in 5 weeksTrust scores up 40%Zero complainant attritionManager training 100%
What they came to us with.
A mid-sized Canadian recreation organization faced an institutional crisis. Multiple credible harassment and misconduct allegations had surfaced across departments — both peer-to-peer conduct and management behavior — spanning 18 months. The organization had no formal investigation infrastructure, no neutral process to test the allegations, and no playbook for remediation at this scale. Staff feared retaliation. Leadership was paralyzed. Morale was collapsing and rumor had replaced fact across the workforce. The board needed an independent investigator who could deliver evidence-supported findings, then stay long enough to rebuild the culture that had enabled the conduct in the first place.
How the work actually ran.
- 01
Confidential intake
Conducted 28 confidential interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses, documenting 47 specific incidents and cross-checking each against corroborating evidence.
- 02
Culture diagnostic
Assessed organizational culture through staff surveys (73% participation) and focus groups, identifying the systemic factors that had enabled misconduct to persist.
- 03
Accountability framework
Designed a four-tier accountability framework that addressed substantiated allegations with proportionate measures rather than one-size-fits-all discipline.
- 04
Manager training
Co-created a manager training program covering investigative procedures, trauma-informed leadership, and psychological safety — completed by 100% of managers within 90 days.
- 05
Sustained remediation
Established peer accountability structures and remained embedded through 12-month implementation, providing leadership coaching and adjusting remediation based on follow-up data.
They handled an incredibly sensitive situation with professionalism and humanity. The investigation gave us clarity. The remediation program gave us hope. Most importantly, they stayed long enough to see the work through.
Selected. Closed.
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Tell us what you’re facing. We operate from there.
Most first conversations happen on a call within the week. We respond personally within one business day.