Meet the team
About us
Founded in 2014, IBD was established with a clear purpose: to provide independent, expert-led workplace investigations that meet the highest procedural and legal standards. Our approach ensures compliance with organisational policies while delivering clear evidenced-based findings to support informed decision-making.
Each investigation is rigorously quality assured at every stage to ensure compliance with employment law, organisational policies, and best practice. Our detailed, forensic approach produces robust, legally sound outcomes that stand up to scrutiny—including at Employment Tribunals.
At IBD, we recognise that every organisation is unique. We deliver high-quality, values-driven investigation services tailored to your specific context and needs. Our sole focus is on conducting independent, external workplace investigations. We specialise in complex, high-stakes issues, helping organisations deal with sensitive issues with clarity, integrity, and professionalism.
James Taylor
Head of Investigations
James studied law at the University of Keele, completing the LPC at the University of Law in London where his focus on employment law began. James has a Masters of Laws (LLM) in employment law from the University of Leicester and is a practicing solicitor.
Having worked in the public sector with a brief stint in politics, James subsequently worked for Citizens Advice as a specialist employment law adviser. He then worked in the private sector advising on employment law matters, with a particular focus on clients in the healthcare and education sectors. James has represented clients in bringing and defending claims such as unfair dismissal, whistleblowing detriment, discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
James has undertaken a large number of complex investigations for NHS Trusts, CCGs, University and private sector organisations. He has extensive experience conducting Maintaining High Professional Standards (MHPS), Raising Concerns at Work (Whistleblowing), Dignity at Work, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Bullying and Harassment, Grievance, and Disciplinary investigations.
He prides himself on taking a detailed approach which ensures compliance with organisational standards while delivering clear, evidence-based findings to support informed decision-making.
Nick Grimshaw
Consultant
Nick is a highly experienced HR and OD professional with nearly 30 years’ experience working in the field of people management.
After graduating in English and History, much of Nick’s career was spent working in the NHS - his work on employee engagement and partnership working attained national recognition. He is a former winner of the prestigious NHS Northwest, HR Director of the year award.
Nick’s expertise includes assisting businesses with the impact of organisational restructuring and undertaking sensitive and/or complex case investigations.
He is a chartered member of the CIPD, a trained workplace mediator, Myers Briggs Type facilitator and NCAS trained case investigator. Nick is passionate about helping organisations achieve excellence in all their people management activities and helping them deliver great places to work.