'Garry’s book “Investigating MADE SIMPLE” provides a wealth of advice and practical hints on a subject that can be both very sensitive and at times, very difficult. It is an essential text for all HR managers’

Anne Cameron BA (Adult Ed); TdipPS; GradCert (BusAdmin), Head of Department Business Services and Technology
Canberra Institute of Technology

‘Garry has a natural talent for being able to relate abstract concepts to concrete examples. His down-to-earth and often humorous style of writing and applying common sense to often, complex ideas, as reflected in his book “Investigating MADE SIMPLE”, makes for informative, easy and entertaining reading. I have always looked forward to Garry’s ideas on many issues, particularly those on how to make the inherently difficult role of investigator a little easier’
Bill Beale BA (Admin), corporate security consultant (formerly detective superintendent of police, and investigator with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and, the Australian War Crimes Commission)

‘The last few years have seen a significant increase in public concern about social issues such as abuse, discrimination, ethical corporate governance, pollution, and workplace safety. Garry Maher’s “Investigating MADE SIMPLE” is both relevant and timely, as well as being a great read!’
John Pola LLB (Australian National University), lawyer Canberra

‘Garry’s book is a clearly written exposition of how people involved in a wide spectrum of endeavours may undertake soundly based investigations of complaints and incidents. His scholarly presentation of key principles is appropriately supported by practical applications. A highlight of the book is the emphasis placed on the importance of establishing and maintaining integrity, of both the investigator and of the procedures employed. This book will provide a considerable amount of valuable insights for readers’
Emeritus Professor Ron Traill, BA (Hons), DipEd, MA, EdD, FATEA

‘In a clear and clever way this book demystifies and clarifies the substance of investigation. The reader will learn that the ordered and unbiased collection of facts are important and achievable. Garry Maher has done all of us who work in the corporate world a great favour’
Dennis Challinger BSc (Hons), MA, MPhil (Cantab), consultant criminologist,
(formerly security executive with Telecom Australia, Coles Myer Ltd and the Mayne Group)

‘An excellent handbook for both the professional investigator and a person whose job may at times involve a need to understand the investigative process’
Dr Jim Mitchell, (formerly associate professor in teaching studies, University of Canberra)

'In a discipline that requires considerable legal and technical knowledge, and practical interpersonal and communication skills, Investigating MADE SIMPLE clearly identifies and focuses on the various competencies involved in ensuring an effective investigation and avoiding legal and ethical pitfalls. The book is aimed at people undertaking investigations as part of their work role or those undertaking formal training programs as a means of enhancing their overall competence in the discipline.

While the content is presented in a generic style, it is both accurate and consistent with industry best practice. The examples are based on actual workplace problems and scenarios, and reflect suggestions and feedback from administrators and practitioners, and students in the industry, as well as the extensive personal practical and academic experience of the author. The accuracy and quality of the content has been validated by a number of industry experts who have vouched for its relevance and currency, as well as learners who have positively evaluated the book.

Investigating MADE SIMPLE effectively reflects key principles of good practice in adult education. It is clearly and logically presented in a reader-friendly style and terminology to facilitate understanding of abstract concepts to work-related tasks. Practical examples, illustrations and a comprehensive glossary of terminology serve to clarify, explain and reinforce abstract concepts. In an area of work that is fraught with complexity and uncertainties, it encourages learners to learn 'how' to think rather than 'what' to think by examining underlying issues, values, as well as legal, ethical and practical considerations.

The book consists of three discrete parts within which each of the 10 chapters addresses the underpinning knowledge and insights relative to specific investigation competencies. The topics have been logically sequenced around the different aspects of investigations ranging from legal considerations to ethical issues, interviewing and report writing skills.

The content is clearly and attractively presented in a conversational rather than academic style, adopting a 'Plain-English' approach rather than the use of, where possible, Latin-based and technical phraseology characteristic of legal and justice-related issues. It uses a mixture of written text, cartoons, graphics, quotable quotes and checklists of necessary attributes and competencies, as well as summaries.

To facilitate understanding of some of the key legal or technical terms commonly used in the investigation profession, a comprehensive glossary of terms is included in the book. It provides a considerable number of 'every-day' problems, which the learner is likely to encounter and which can be readily contextualised. The associated information provides a variety of realistic options to enable them to discern the most appropriate course of action in a particular context.

At the conclusion of each of the three parts of the book, there is a summary and list of the underpinning knowledge and necessary skills canvassed in that part. This reinforces significant issues, provides a form of self-assessment for the reader and can also be used as a focus of formal exercises or group discussion.

The content of Investigating MADE SIMPLE is readily adaptable to modification and integration with existing courses of study or for practical application in specific contexts. It is suitable as a reference guide for training policy formulation or as the basis of organisational standard operations procedures for investigation-related tasks.

Investigating MADE SIMPLE would be a valuable resource for investigators, and investigator trainers and learners, as there seems to be few non-legal/non-technical reader-friendly learning resources to meet the increasing requirements around the investigative functions of ensuring law enforcement, compliance, safety, security and regulation'

Extract: Assessment Report - Investigating MADE SIMPLE 2004, Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) - now the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST).