The integrity of our public institutions rests on their ability to conduct investigations and enforcement activities that are not only effective but also lawful, transparent, and accountable. At Baulch Integrity Solutions, we specialise in assisting public sector agencies, including police forces, integrity commissions, and regulators, in building and strengthening their investigative and enforcement capabilities.
My work is grounded in a unique blend of frontline operational experience and senior executive leadership, offering an unparalleled understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the modern investigative landscape. I bring a critical, external perspective to help agencies design, implement, and refine systems that are intelligence-led, evidence-based, and data-driven, ensuring they meet the high expectations of government, the public, and the courts.
Investigative Function Reviews
A core element of our service is a comprehensive review of your agency’s investigative function. This is more than a simple audit; it is a holistic and strategic assessment of your organisation’s readiness and effectiveness. My objective is to provide a clear-eyed analysis of your current state, identify potential vulnerabilities, and deliver a prioritised roadmap for improvement.
The review methodology is structured and draws upon leading international standards and best practices, including the Australian Government Investigations Standard (AGIS) and the guidelines of the UK’s College of Policing. My detailed assessment covers the full investigative lifecycle, from initial intelligence gathering to final case closure.
Our review typically assesses:
Governance & Strategic Alignment
We examine how your investigative activities align with your agency’s strategic plan, risk appetite, and legislative mandate. This ensures that resources are deployed to address the most significant threats and that your enforcement efforts are defensible and purposeful.
Performance Measurement & Accountability
We work with you to define a balanced suite of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that move beyond simple case counts to measure genuine effectiveness and impact. This ensures that you are capturing data that speaks to the quality of your investigations, the efficiency of your processes, and the ultimate outcomes achieved.
Investigative Processes & Procedures
We conduct a deep dive into your standard operating procedures (SOPs) for case initiation, planning, evidence collection, and continuity. This critical analysis ensures that your processes are lawful, robust, and capable of withstanding challenge in a court or tribunal. Our review is informed by my expertise in criminal law and procedure across Commonwealth and all State jurisdictions, enabling me to identify subtle procedural weaknesses that could undermine a prosecution or enforcement outcome.
Intelligence & Targeting
An effective investigative function is driven by a sophisticated and ethical intelligence capability. We evaluate your intelligence cycle—how you collect, analyse, and disseminate information—and its seamless integration with investigative decision-making. This includes assessing your ability to move from reactive complaints handling to proactive, risk-based targeting of serious misconduct or non-compliance.
Systems and Policy Design
An investigative function is only as effective as the systems and policies that govern it. Building on the insights from an initial review, we assist agencies in designing and implementing robust frameworks that enhance accountability and operational effectiveness. This service is for agencies that are undergoing reform, standing up new functions, or seeking to modernise their operations.
Our work focuses on:
- Intelligence-Led Operating Models: We help agencies transition from traditional reactive models to an intelligence-led approach. This involves designing a seamless workflow where intelligence analysis drives investigative priorities, ensuring your resources are focused on the highest-risk actors and behaviours. My experience building and leading intelligence functions at Victoria Police and ICAC in Papua New Guinea provides a foundational understanding of what works in practice.
- Case Management & Data Governance: We advise on the design of case management systems that provide end-to-end visibility of an investigation, from receipt of a complaint to final disposition. This includes developing clear policies for evidence handling, record-keeping, and data governance to protect the integrity of your files and ensure you meet your disclosure obligations.
- Legal Governance Frameworks: We help you develop clear, legally sound frameworks for exercising your investigative powers. This includes advising on the appropriate use of search warrants, statutory notices, and other coercive powers, ensuring your actions are both lawful and defensible. My expertise as a former senior leader in Victoria Police’s Professional Standards Command provides a crucial lens on how to build systems that are transparent and withstand internal and external scrutiny.
The result is a set of practical, principled, and purpose-built systems that empower your team, protect institutional integrity, and deliver superior outcomes.
Proactive Compliance & Readiness
In an era of heightened public scrutiny and increasing integrity risks, it is no longer enough for agencies to simply meet their statutory obligations. They must be prepared to demonstrate that their processes are robust, effective, and beyond reproach. This service is designed to provide independent assurance that your investigative function is ready to withstand any external review.
We help you achieve readiness by:
- Internal Self-Assessment: We guide your agency in conducting a thorough, self-critical assessment of your investigative processes. We provide the methodology, templates, and expert guidance to help you identify weaknesses before they become public liabilities. This is a preventative measure designed to strengthen your institutional foundations.
- Compliance with International Standards: For agencies involved in financial crime, we ensure your processes align with international standards set by bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). My direct experience in implementing anti-money laundering and proceeds of crime frameworks at ICAC in Papua New Guinea is central to this offering.
- Auditing and Quality Assurance: We provide an independent quality assurance function, auditing a sample of your case files to ensure adherence to policy and procedure. This is a proactive measure that provides a high degree of confidence in your processes and identifies areas for continuous improvement. The goal is to ensure that your agency is not just doing its job, but is doing its job right, with a full understanding of the legal and procedural risks involved.
By engaging Baulch Integrity Solutions, you gain a trusted partner who understands the unique pressures and complexities facing public sector agencies. We offer the strategic insight and practical know-how to help you build a high-performing, ethical, and resilient investigative function that delivers justice and earns public trust.