speak to an expert

Caroline Cleal

  • Lead Associate

Areas of specialism / interest:

  • Complex Investigations, Dignity at Work, Employee Relations, Healthcare, Just and Learning Culture, MHPS/UPSW, Neurodiversity, Psychological Safety, Sexual Harassment, Training
Caroline has a wealth of experience in employee relations and has undertaken a wide range of complex and sensitive investigations in areas such as MHPS, dignity at work, sexual harassment, discrimination and whistleblowing.  She works with clients across the private sector, as well as healthcare, education, local authority and charitable organisations and has also delivered training on how to conduct investigations.

Caroline conducts and oversees a number of complex cases and has particular expertise in dealing with allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination.  
 
Examples of Caroline’s recent work include: 

  • An investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against a number of senior leaders, reaching findings of fact in respect of specific incidents, as well as undertaking a review of the organisational culture. 
  • A complex MHPS investigation into a range of clinical practice concerns and allegations of unprofessional conduct and behaviour towards staff, by a senior consultant surgeon. 
  • An investigation into allegations of bullying, harassment and disability discrimination by an executive director on the grounds of neurodiversity.

Background

Caroline is an experienced and CIPD qualified people management specialist. She worked in the NHS for more than 23 years as an HR Business Partner, providing employee relations advice across a variety of integrated health and social care services. During her time in the NHS, Caroline was also an active member of the Womens Health Network, contributing to initiatives to raise awareness around issues such as Women’s safety and Menopause at work.

Relevant training and qualifications

CIPD post graduate diploma 

Race Ahead Training – EDP Training (2024) 

Conducting Trauma Informed Investigations – Dignifi (2024) 

Neurodiversity at work training – IGPP (2024) 

Resilient Leaders training – Beyond the Barriers (2022) 

We are all Leaders – Developing an Outward Mindset, Arbinger Institute & NHS Leadership Academy (2022) 

Controlling & Coercive Behaviour & Domestic Violence – Train the Trainer Training, Paragon (2022) 

Menopause in the Workplace, Healthcare People Management Association (2022) 

Get in touch