Ask the Experts: Suspected theft in the workplace

Q: I suspect one of the staff at my nursery may be stealing money and items belonging to the setting and colleagues. What should I do?

June O'Sullivan: If you suspect someone of stealing respond quickly but do not confront the person directly unless you have clear evidence.

Start by sending a memo to all staff – including temporary workers and interns – asking them to be vigilant. Inform them you are investigating and ensure everyone knows stealing constitutes gross misconduct under your organisation's HR policy.

This may be enough to prevent further incidents. If not then you may have to conduct a more formal inquiry and consider involving the police. Any investigation must be carried out in line with the Data Protection Act especially if you want to monitor activities in order to collect evidence. Interview each member of staff so no one is singled out. Avoid confrontational questions and frame the interview in a way that allows someone to confess.