Samantha Edwards
Principal Consultant, Sydney
Samantha specialises in conducting workplace investigations and reviews, drawing upon her substantial experience in employment law, workplace relations and HR. Samantha has an authentic and personable approach, and focuses on early and effective resolution of disputes and workplace conflict to minimise workplace disruption and preserve workplace relationships wherever feasible.
Samantha has a deep understanding of workplace relations, gained through her varied experience in legislative/policy development, internal workplace relations advisory roles and specialist case management/investigation roles. As a workplace relations advisor and manager, she has led negotiations for enterprise agreements, advised on the interpretation of industrial instruments, provided advice on terminations, poor performance, restructures and redundancies, managed workplace disputes, and developed frameworks for risk management and compliance with Fair Work and related legislation, for employers within the FMCG, labour hire and retail industries.
Samantha holds qualifications in law and HR, and after completing university, worked as an Associate to Justice Moore of the Federal Court of Australia. Samantha is also an accredited mediator and trained conflict management coach.
Samantha has managed numerous complex investigations as both an internal and external investigator, for employers within the private and public sectors, as well as not for profit entities. Her investigation experience spans the full gamut of workplace issues including sexual harassment, bullying, fraud, victimisation, discrimination, professional conduct and safety, including investigations involving multiple parties, external reporting obligations and the management of multiple internal and external stakeholders. Samantha is also an experienced investigator of reportable allegations (including child sexual abuse) and reportable incidents (involving a person with a disability living in group supported accommodation) and has managed complex and sensitive investigations under relevant schemes for educational institutions and other relevant entities.
Samantha is skilled at conducting workplace reviews and critical incident reviews, quickly grasping complex situations to identify underlying and systemic root causes. Bringing her depth of experience in both workplace relations and HR, and a genuine curiosity for people and the causes of workplace conflict, she is recognised for providing valuable insights and practical, sustainable solutions to build positive, ethical workplaces.
