Reference - under investigation

[Damo126]

Hi all,

I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice.

I have been employed in the emergency services*sector for the past 6 years. I have never been in trouble and have always received positive feedback from line managers.

15 months ago, a complaint was made to police about me by me ex partner (harassment). Following a 10 month investigation it was decided I had no case to answer and the case was dismissed. Given the nature of*the job I do, an internal investigation was launched.

I have a final stage job interview next week and it is out organisations policy to state on a reference “resigned under investigation”. I have never been suspended for the allegation and this has not been ongoing for 15 months with no end in sight.

Is it advisable to bring this situation up in my interview (my theory has always been honesty is the*best policy), wait until an offer is made and then disclose this prior to references being taken or say nothing. If I do not say anything and this is brought to light after I have started with the company could this lead*to my dismissal.

it seems very unfair my job prospects are harmed for something I am innocent.

thanks

[ULA]

I think you need to mention it in advance of any prospective employer making a reference application. At least that way you will have a chance to get your version of the situation across to any prospective employer and it shows them you have nothing to hide. The fact that the police are not taking it further should be viewed positively and pave the outcome for any internal investigation.

Also if any offer is conditional on receipt of satisfactory reference and they were not aware to the situation they may deem it to be an unsatisfactory reference and withdraw the offer.

Hope that helps and best of luck at your interview.

[Damo126]

Thank you for you reply. I completely agree with your views. *Do you think it is better to raise it in the interview itself or after? And do you think it’s likely to have an impact on my application.*

[ULA]

It would be best to raise it at an appropriate time at the interview.

I really cannot say what impact it will have on any application as it will be entirely dependent on the job you are going for and what the view of the prospective employer is to what you have said. I think the thing to emphasis is the fact that the police investigation resulted in no case to answer, however given the job that you currently do there is still an internal investigation process. I presume this did not start until the outcome of the police investigation as concluded hence the delay in it this being concluded. I would also concentrate on the fact that the police did not pursue the matter.*

[Damo126]

The job is working on the railways. However, if successful at the interview I get placed in a talent pool which means a job could come up anytime within a 12 months period. Therefore I am thinking is it better raising it during the interview or waiting until references are requested when the investigation may be finished with. It’s such a hard decision to make. Do you think they would be unhappy that it had not been mentioned in interview?

thanks for your help.

[ULA]

Ok so you will not be offered a job straight away? However will they take out any references now albeit obviously not your current employer, in which case there is one reference (as two are normally asked for) that you know will be fine?

You will be get a chance to ask questions so find out on average how long someone is in the talent pool before they are selected and if you think the investigation will be concluded in that time then maybe you might be ok not to say anything.

Ultimately though you need to decide what to do, I cannot make the decision for you.