Tricky situation at client with complaint between perms

[PorkPie]

Problem: I have been invited to attend an investigatory meeting whereby one person who works for my client has made a complaint against another
person who works for my client. Both are perm. The person subject of the investigation is the project manager of my project. My instinct is to
refuse to get involved. This is a staff matter and as such nothing to do with me. However the complicating thing is that the PM (being complained
about) is a good bloke and almost certainly not in the wrong (so as such I'd want to back him up), he also signs my timesheets.

Anyone had the same thing happen? Any advice?

[basshead]

I would avoid it, its an internal ClientCo matter which if it turns ugly could get very complicated for YourCo.

[NotAllThere]

Say to the client that as the PM signs your timesheets, there is a clear conflict of interest, and you rather not be involved.

[oracleslave]

Very difficult one I think and probably no tried and trusted way of handling this. What has he been accused of doing/not doing?

Refusing to get involved may be the best option provided there are no likely repercussions on your relationship with the PM and your ongoing contract there. However if he feels you have let him down, are not a team player etc and he comes out alright post the investigation he might drop you like a ton of bricks as someone he can't trust in a tight spot i.e. you weren't there when he needed your support. Personally if I thought he was a good bloke and a contact/mate I would like for the future I would go to the meeting, give my opinion honestly and then ask to be excused while they make their decisions.

[TheFaQQer]

Say to the client that as the PM signs your timesheets, there is a clear conflict of interest, and you rather not be involved.

I think that's your best bet.

But explain to the PM in person that you can't do it for that reason, rather than letting him think that you aren't supportive / not a team player / want shot of him etc.

[PorkPie]

NotAllThere - I think that might be the way to go - but OS does make a good point about the relationship with the PM (which is currently v good). F eck. I wish they hadn't got me involved TBH!

[Hex]

How about asking them to put any questions they would like your answer to in a letter to your company and ask them to send it to your company's registered office?

You can then reply in writing as a representitive of your company if you want to.

[PorkPie]

I think that's your best bet.

But explain to the PM in person that you can't do it for that reason, rather than letting him think that you aren't supportive / not a team player / want shot of him etc.

Was thinking that I could do this with an extra sentence of "for what its worth, without attending the meeting I have never seen PM do anything untoward or unprofessional"

What about that?

[PorkPie]

How about asking them to put any questions they would like your answer to in a letter to your company and ask them to send it to your company's registered office?

You can then reply in writing as a representitive of your company if you want to.

Sounds a little convoluted and likely to p*ss the client off in one way or another... thanks for the suggestion though.

[KevinS]

Was thinking that I could do this with an extra sentence of "for what its worth, without attending the meeting I have never seen PM do anything untoward or unprofessional"

What about that?

Good move, but in writing, on YourCo letterhead..