Creating a 3-Year Plan for Your Investigation Unit: A Strategic Roadmap
One of my clients Maria took over as Director of Investigations at a major university, she inherited a team of dedicated investigators but no clear direction. "We were handling cases well, but we weren't growing or evolving," she mentioned. "We needed a roadmap." Three years later, her unit is considered a model of excellence.
Here's how she did it:
Why Three Years?
The three-year timeframe hits a sweet spot in strategic planning:
Long enough to achieve substantial changes
Short enough to remain relevant in a changing landscape
Practical for budget and resource planning
Ideal for measuring meaningful metrics
Phase 1: Assessment and Foundation (Year 1)
Quarter 1-2: Current State Analysis
Begin with a thorough assessment of your unit:
"You can't know where you're going until you truly understand where you are."
Start by evaluating:
Current caseload and types of investigations
Team composition and skills
Available resources and technologies
Existing processes and procedures
Quarter 3-4: Building the Foundation
Focus on strengthening your core:
Standardize investigation procedures
Implement case management systems
Develop training programs
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs)
Phase 2: Growth and Enhancement (Year 2)
The Evolution
Year two is about expanding capabilities:
Team Development
Advanced training programs
Specialization opportunities
Mentorship initiatives
Cross-training
Process Improvement
Streamlined workflows
Enhanced reporting mechanisms
Quality control measures
Stakeholder feedback systems
Success Story: Building Excellence
One corporate investigation unit transformed their operation by:
Implementing monthly team development sessions
Creating investigation specialization tracks
Developing partnerships with other departments
Establishing a quality review process
Phase 3: Innovation and Leadership (Year 3)
This is where your unit becomes a leader in the field:
Innovation Initiatives
Pilot new investigation methodologies
Integrate emerging technologies
Develop best practice guides
Create knowledge sharing platforms
Strategic Partnerships
Build relationships with:
Legal departments
HR teams
Compliance units
External experts
Essential Elements for Success
Budget Planning
Think strategically about:
Technology investments
Training resources
Staffing needs
External partnerships
Measuring Success
Track meaningful metrics:
Investigation completion times
Stakeholder satisfaction
Team development progress
Quality assessment scores
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Resource Constraints
Solution: Start with high-impact, low-cost initiatives and build business cases for larger investments.
Challenge: Resistance to Change
Solution: Involve team members in planning and implementation to build buy-in.
Challenge: Maintaining Momentum
Solution: Create quarterly milestones and celebrate achievements.
Making It Work: Practical Tips
1. Stay Flexible
Your plan should be:
Adaptable to changing needs
Responsive to new challenges
Open to emerging opportunities
2. Focus on People
Remember that success depends on:
Team engagement
Skill development
Clear communication
Strong leadership
3. Monitor and Adjust
Regularly:
Review progress
Gather feedback
Adjust timelines
Update goals
The Road Ahead
Creating a three-year plan isn't about predicting the future – it's about preparing for it. As one investigation leader puts it:
"The best plans create a framework for growth while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances."
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted three-year plan can transform your investigation unit from reactive to proactive, from operational to exceptional. Remember, the goal isn't just to handle cases effectively – it's to build a unit that sets the standard for excellence in workplace investigations.
If you'd like 1-on-1 support with your investigation needs, I encourage you to book a 30-minute discovery call with our team.
