The investigative report may not be the only method to share your findings and results. Did you uncover control gaps that put the company at risk? Do you have solutions to protect the organization in the future? An After Action Report is one way to drive much needed change.

Your investigative report is much more than a list of events and interviews. It can be a strategic method to both surface the truth, but also influence change and help your organization mitigate future risks.

Where you conduct investigations should be a fundamental consideration when developing your team and strategy. How you analyze risk, uncover evidence, and even conduct interviews can differ greatly across geographical locations and may be dictated by local laws and customs.

Is your current recruiting strategy limiting your team's impact and influence? Is there unrealized talent just waiting in someone who's title isn't "investigator"? The mission of what you want to achieve as an investigations team should center around solving problems, not just solving cases which is why it is important to explore a wider range of candidate experience.

Carving out where and how your team will operate not only establishes your mission, but informs partners and your company as to where you plan to conduct investigative efforts, engage in fact-finding, and provide necessary risk-mitigating insight.

While "marketing" your investigations team may not be at the forefront of your planning, it's a critical step that can have a significant influence on the success, acceptance, and impact of your program. Let's cover some basic steps to take when branding your investigative blueprint to build the foundation necessary to drive change in your company.