CLEAR Framework™ One-Page Overview
A quick reference to the five phases: Capture the Complaint, Launch Your Strategy, Evaluate the Evidence, Analyze Impartially, and Report with Clarity.
Download PDFSHRM 2026 · Concurrent Session Resource Hub
CLEAR Investigation Resource HubTools for More Defensible Protected-Class Investigations
Companion resources for “When Employee Relations Isn’t Enough: A CLEAR Framework for Protected-Class Investigations.”
Presented by Dr. Marquita M. Booker, Esq., By-The-Book Workplace Investigations
Use this page to access the companion toolkit, revisit the CLEAR Framework™, and learn more about responsible tools that support protected-class investigation consistency.
These materials are designed to support professional judgment, not to replace it.
These resources were created specifically for attendees of the SHRM 2026 concurrent session, “When Employee Relations Isn’t Enough: A CLEAR Framework for Protected-Class Investigations.” Protected-class investigations call for more than a standard employee relations response. They require careful issue framing, protected-basis analysis, evidence discipline, neutrality, thorough documentation, and reasoning that withstands internal and external review. The materials below help attendees begin applying the CLEAR Investigation Framework™ within their own practice.
Session Toolkit
Your SHRM 2026 CLEAR Investigation Toolkit
Seven reference documents to support thoughtful application of the CLEAR Framework™ in day-to-day investigation work.
Five Procedural Risk Points Checklist
Identify common missteps across intake, scoping, evidence collection, analysis, and reporting.
Download PDFInvestigation Planning Template
Define allegations, protected bases, witnesses, evidence sources, timelines, and steps before interviews begin.
Download PDFEvidence Organization Matrix
Connect allegations, elements, witnesses, documents, credibility considerations, and findings.
Download PDFProtected-Class Investigation Risk Assessment Guide
Spot procedural, legal, retaliation, documentation, and neutrality risks early.
Download PDFDocumentation Standards Checklist
Ensure investigation files reflect clear reasoning, neutral language, and supportable findings.
Download PDFAI Use & Professional Judgment Guide
Use digital and AI-supported tools responsibly while preserving neutrality, confidentiality, and accountability.
Download PDFThe Framework
The CLEAR Investigation Framework™
Five disciplined phases for fair, thorough, and defensible protected-class investigations.
- CPhase 1
Capture the Complaint
Clarify what was reported, who is involved, what protected basis may be implicated, and what immediate risks must be assessed.
- LPhase 2
Launch Your Strategy
Define the scope, issues, witnesses, evidence sources, sequence, and investigation plan before moving into interviews.
- EPhase 3
Evaluate the Evidence
Gather relevant documents, interviews, timelines, communications, and comparator information with discipline and neutrality.
- APhase 4
Analyze Impartially
Connect facts to applicable policy and legal standards without advocacy, assumption, or outcome-driven reasoning.
- RPhase 5
Report with Clarity
Prepare findings that are clear, neutral, evidence-based, and defensible to internal and external reviewers.
Looking Ahead · Optional
An Early Look at InVextra
InVextra is an AI-supported investigation tool in development, designed to help investigators apply the CLEAR Framework™ consistently while preserving professional judgment, neutrality, and accountability. If you would like to be notified when a demo becomes available, you are welcome to join the waitlist.
InVextra is not intended to replace investigators. It is intended to help investigators remain anchored to a structured, repeatable, and defensible process.
Stay Connected
Continue the Conversation
For training, consulting, external investigations, or follow-up questions after the SHRM session, connect with Dr. Marquita M. Booker, Esq., and By-The-Book Workplace Investigations.