Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Training
Timeline
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Alana Garret

Alana Garret

Logan Reserve,Australia

Summary

An innovative and client focused Employment Relations professional with expertise in workplace investigations, leadership coaching, case management, strategic planning, change management and stakeholder engagement. I am highly experienced in conducting high quality, responsive and procedurally fair workplace investigations and have conducted workplace investigations within LWB across a range of programs and states for 8 years. I am strongly committed to growing and improving evidence-based people and culture practices, am experienced and knowledgeable in legislative interpretation, policy and procedure implementation and I have a keen interest in employee voice, restorative practice and just and fair decision making.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

National Investigations Lead

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS
05.2022 - Current
  • As National Investigations Lead, I am responsible for ensuring that investigations into allegations of serious misconduct, reportable incident and reportable conduct are undertaken expeditiously, to the highest quality standard.
  • I manage 4 Investigators and am responsible for their ongoing professional development and supervision, review and sign off on Investigation plans, notification letters and investigation reports.
  • I undertake complex investigations into Serious Misconduct, Reportable incidents and reportable conduct matters.
  • I coach and guide senior leadership in managing employment relations matters with a best practice client focused approach.
  • I proactively undertake project work to enhance leadership capability, enhance safeguarding and incident response initiatives and partner with senior leadership to contribute to strategic projects.
  • I contribute to the development of LWB P&C policies, processes, and strategies on a variety of LWB working groups. I have led the development of workplace investigation policy and protocol within LWB over the past 7 years, coordinating the review of templates, resources and guidelines and championed a consistent, values-aligned approach to investigation and resolution processes.
  • I undertake analysis of case management and investigation data to Identify trends, proposed solutions and improve overall investigative process.
  • I develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders Nationally, including leadership across multi-disciplined inter-state teams.
  • I draft high level investigation reports and other reports including project proposals, workplace culture reviews and workplace investigation outcome recommendations.
  • I ensure consistent organisational compliance with reportable conduct obligations under relevant legislation.

Senior People & Culture Advisor

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS
04.2017 - 05.2022
  • Managed complex and high-risk employee relations matters, delivering thorough, end-to-end case management.
  • Conducted investigations into serious misconduct allegations, including bullying, harassment, physical assault, and theft, ensuring objective and procedurally fair outcomes.
  • Provided strategic coaching to leaders navigating grievances, performance management, medical incapacity, and return-to-work processes, with a focus on resolution and employee wellbeing.
  • Facilitated disciplinary and performance interventions in line with legal obligations and organisational values.
  • Contributed to LWB's strategic P&C initiatives, including drafting policy and participating in working groups focused on improving culture and practice.
  • Played a lead role in developing and standardising workplace investigation protocols, fostering strong partnerships with service leaders and the broader People & Culture team.
  • Acted in higher duties as Business Partner for QLD & NT, providing strategic HR support across regions.
  • Analysed investigation data, detected workforce trends, systemic issues and recommended evidence-informed solutions.
  • Designed and delivered training on performance management and disciplinary investigations for LWB leadership.
  • Inducted, mentored, and coached new Senior People & Culture Advisors to strengthen team capability.

Human Resources Advisor

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY
10.2011 - 04.2017
  • Partnered with senior leaders within the University executive, provided advice, coaching and guidance on strategic, academic and operational matters across academic faculties and professional services.
  • Undertook end to end case management in misconduct, and performance improvement.
  • Oversaw annual performance review submissions, analysed and interpreted data, and produced reports with key insights for executive.
  • Conducted full academic induction cycle, oversaw on-boarding, induction, and confirmation of probation.
  • Provided specialised advice in relation to visa, immigration and international relocation matters.
  • Developed and maintained effective relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Maintained data integrity within HR Information systems.
  • Allocated work and provided guidance and mentorship to HR Officers.

Organiser

APESMA
07.2009 - 10.2011
  • In this advocacy role I honed my ability to communicate with influence and resolve conflict. I am confident in developing proactive relationships with Unions to resolve union disputes.
  • Investigated and resolved workplace disputes including bullying and harassment claims and workplace grievances, harassment claims and workplace grievances.
  • Reviewed and analysed employment contracts across a range of industries and experience, ensuring compliance with relevant awards and legislation.
  • Prepared collective industrial log of claims and negotiation to achieve identified claims.
  • Developed and delivered training for emerging professionals on workplace rights and obligations.
  • Contributed to social media channels and to quarterly news publications.

Workplace Infoline Advisor

THE WORKPLACE AUTHORITY
07.2008 - 06.2009
  • As an Advisor within The Workplace Authority (Now Fair Work Ombudsman) I provided industrial relations information to employees, employers, unions, and employer associations.
  • Provided extensive industrial relations information to a variety of clients and stakeholders across all Australian states and territories, advising stakeholders of their requirements and entitlements across 400 employment awards, individual and collective agreements.
  • Developed a strong knowledge of employment related legislation including the Workplace Relations Act, Fair Work Act, Industrial Awards, Industrial instruments, and Workplace Agreements.
  • Demonstrated the ability to interpret and communicate legislative changes in a professional and respectful manner.
  • Coordinated sustainability strategies as appointed Brisbane Environmental Officer.

Associate Auditor – Premium Compliance

WORKCOVER QUEENSLAND
10.2007 - 04.2008
  • Completed data analysis, audit proposal, investigation and facilitated prosecution referrals, and referrals for alternate resolution.
  • Actively researched potential audit targets through data sourcing and analysis.
  • Requested, compiled, and analysed company records (payroll data, profit and loss statements etc) and conducted audit investigations, assessed compliance with legislative obligations.
  • Facilitated compliance activities and monitored projects and results.
  • During February 2007 – October 2007 I was employed by WorkCover Queensland as a Contact Centre Representative and was subsequently promoted to the role of Premium Compliance Associate Auditor.

Education

MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Human Resources Management

Griffith University
01.2011

BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION - Public Relations and Media Culture

Griffith University
01.2005

Skills

  • 8 years experience conducting complex and sensitive workplace investigations, applying procedural fairness and utilising trauma-informed practice in investigative settings
  • Experienced in navigating unionised environments and engaging constructively with industrial stakeholders
  • Strong knowledge of employment legislation, and proficiency in interpreting and applying enterprise agreements and industrial awards
  • High-level advisory skills in managing performance, grievances, misconduct, and incapacity matters
  • Experienced in coaching and supporting leaders through challenging issues and critical conversations
  • Demonstrated ability to analyse data, identify systemic risks, and recommend proactive interventions
  • Skilled in developing and delivering targeted training and capability-building programs for leadership
  • Expertise in drafting policies, procedures, and investigative resources that support compliance and cultural alignment
  • Proven experience in leading, mentoring and supporting team members, fostering professional development, growth and continuous learning
  • Strong written communication skills, including investigation reports, outcome letters, cultural reviews, and executive briefings

Training

  • Restorative Practice 2025
  • Interviewing children, young people and adults with intellectual (cognitive) impairment 2022
  • CARE – Developing a competent workforce 2021
  • MAPA – Managing potential workplace violence 2021
  • Mental health first aid 2021
  • Manager as Coach 2020
  • CARE – Child experiences in residential care 2019
  • NDIS reportable incidents 2019

Timeline

National Investigations Lead

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS
05.2022 - Current

Senior People & Culture Advisor

LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS
04.2017 - 05.2022

Human Resources Advisor

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY
10.2011 - 04.2017

Organiser

APESMA
07.2009 - 10.2011

Workplace Infoline Advisor

THE WORKPLACE AUTHORITY
07.2008 - 06.2009

Associate Auditor – Premium Compliance

WORKCOVER QUEENSLAND
10.2007 - 04.2008

MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Human Resources Management

Griffith University

BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION - Public Relations and Media Culture

Griffith University

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Alana Garret