Tim Groves
Investigative
Researcher
In my work as a freelance investigative researcher I go to great lengths to track down information. For over a decade I have delivered results for my clients that go far beyond what they could ask of most researchers. My background as an investigative journalist equipped me with vast array of research techniques, and I have unearthed curial information for a wide range project. I hope you will take some time to learn more about my work, and how my research skills could benefit you.
Contact
tim.m.groves@gmail.com
(647) 892-6442
Testimonials
“Tim's investigative research has played a pivotal role in Grassy Narrows` campaign for mercury justice. He consistently unearths lost gems and finds skeletons in closets that arm us with the information we need to be most effective. If you need to find something out, Tim is the answer. Whether it buried deep in a dusty archive, or freshly arrived in the Privy Council inbox, Tim will get it.”
-David Sone, Grassy Narrows First Nation advisor.
“Whenever I need solid research done, I always turn to Tim Groves. For over a decade now he has been the person I turn to and trust with delicate and sensitive research needs. The results he provides are consistently excellent and done within the constraints we agree upon. Highly recommend.”
-Amy Miller, Documentary Filmmaker, Wide Open Exposure
“If Canadian journalism hadn't lost its balls, Tim Groves would be swamped with work. As it is, he can dig and dig with the best researchers in the land: take on the most complex of stories, and produce clear and cogent data. And maintain a sunny and tireless disposition.”
-Robin Benger, Producer/Director "The Great Canadian Tax Dodge"
Areas of Practice
My research has supported people in numerous fields including:
Academics: I am able expand the scope of what academics can achieve in their research by bringing an investigative mindset to their area of study and accessing tools that are commonly overlooked by scholars, such as Freedom of Information requests, data analysis, and accessing non-academic databases such as patent searches. I have also tracked down hard to find records, assisted in negotiating access to materials from government bodies, and provided in-depth background information on their topic of interest.
Authors: My skill at digging deeply into a given topic has provided authors with increased abilities to tell compelling stories. Their work has greatly benefited from both the detailed information and the understanding of context I have provided them with.
Documentary filmmakers: My extensive work for documentaries focused primarily on story research and development. I am often called upon when filmmakers have investigative needs such as tracking down former undercover agents for interviews, or determining who a given politician met with on a foreign trip. My skill at finding people has assisted in securing interviews and clearing rights for materials, and I have also created infographics and maps for filmmakers.
First Nations: I provide research to a variety of First Nations and groups working on indigenous issues. I have been retained by First Nation advisors to provide them with the information they need to generate media articles, assist in negotiations, amassing records that could be used for potential legal action, and providing other information and insights that these nations can make use of.
Lawyers: My work for lawyers has included extensive pre-litigation research such as obtaining evidence of industrial pollution from corporate and government records. In addition to tracking down hard to find records, I have supported lawyers by providing information on which institutions have lent money to a given corporation, answering complicated questions and providing other research solutions.
Nonprofits and advocacy groups: I have enabled numerous organizations become more effective at reaching their goals. Even organizations with strong in-house research skill have greatly benefited from the investigative skills I am able to bring to my work.
Skills
I combine a vast array of skills and techniques when engaging research. Some of these include:
Freedom of Information Requests: From my experience filing over 400 requests at all levels of government I have developed a deep understanding of how to write Freedom of Information requests that are likely to yield useful information. In addition to tracking down specific records of interest, I am experienced at strategically filing numerous requests on a topic of interest to expose areas of government activity that had previously been entirely opaque.
Public records: My experience obtaining information from government goes far beyond Freedom of Information requests. There is a wide range of records that can be obtained from government such as court records, corporate disclosures, death certificates, licenses, permits, archaeological reports, financial information, and environmental disclosures. My experience obtaining this information in jurisdictions I am familiar with, has assisted me in quickly orienting myself to obtaining records from jurisdictions that are new to me.
Property research: I have developed a particularly deep expertise in property research in Ontario. Discovering the ownership and history of a parcel of land can range from a simple task to a convoluted endeavour. I excel at both.
Archival records: Archival research is far more than just poring through boxes of records in pursuit of insightful information. I have acquired a resourcefulness in determining where relevant materials may be held regardless of if they are located in archives that are public, academic, private or personal collections.
Tracking down experts: I am experienced at both locating people and conducting interviews. The telephone remains one of the most powerful research tools available, providing access to information that the internet and Freedom of Information request never could. Speaking with experts and former employees of a company or government agency has the potential to provide internal knowledge and insights.
Databases: Locating databases has assisted me in providing my clients with pertinent information. Understanding what sorts of information may be held in databases and how to access them is a vital research technique. Some are found online, some require subscriptions, and others require in-person visits to specific locations in order to access them.
Data research: My skills at analyzing and displaying data are a powerful elements of investigative research. Analyzing big data is a means of answering questions and the GIS maps I have created have yielded insightful information. I am also experienced at collaborating with skilled programmers on coding related projects.
Advanced online research: I employ internet research techniques that go far beyond conducting a simple Google search. Crafting a good search and exploiting everything that search engines are capable of is part of skilled online research, but it also requires a deep understanding of the various tools and resources available, beyond traditional search engines.
Workshops and Training
I offer a variety of online webinars and in-person workshops on research techniques. I also offer one-on-one training and provide advice and consultation on how organizations or individuals can solve the research dilemmas they are presented with.
Get in Touch
Feel free to get in touch. I am happy to discuss any projects you are working on to see if my research skills can benefit you. Even if hiring me is not what makes sense for you endavours, I am happy to provide advice and ideas of possible resources and avenues of research that you can make use of.
You can reach me at:
tim.m.groves@gmail.com
or at