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Disciplinary and Grievance Investigations
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Disciplinary and Grievance Investigations

www.emds-hrconsulting.com We can assist you with disciplinary investigations or hearing. Call Elizabeth TODAY! 07828769044

It is paramount that policies and procedures are followed to ensure a fair and consistent process but some managers still need advice on how to use the policies and the investigations. Some companies prefer to have certain investigations carried out by external parties to ensure an full and fair investigation. We are able to provide advice and resource if required.
Stages of the process

If disciplinary action is to be taken, it should usually have at least three main stages:

a letter
a meeting
an appeal.

There must always be a full and fair investigation to determine the facts and to decide if further action is necessary. The Acas Code recommends at least these three steps should be taken in the majority of cases. However, in some cases a second meeting stage or other stages may be appropriate.

Record-keeping

Employers should keep meticulous records, as they will be vital should a case go to an employment tribunal. The type of records to keep are: minutes of meetings, emails, attendance notes, notes of telephone calls, copies of correspondence, and so on.

Handling disciplinary interviews

All line managers should be trained and supported so that they’re able to carry out disciplinary meetings with their teams. The HR department should be able to advise them on relevant legislation and on preparing for and conducting the interview.

An individual is entitled to be accompanied by a work colleague or trade union official at formal disciplinary and grievance interviews. It’s good practice for an employer also to offer this at any purely investigatory meeting. Employers don’t usually have to allow other companions (for example family members or lawyers) but may do so if they wish.

More notes:

Discipline and grievance
Disciplinary and grievance issues can be a major burden to employers. Putting in place and following the right procedures is essential. Without them, you run the risk of ending up in front of an employment tribunal facing a claim of unfair or constructive dismissal.

Disciplinary procedures

Every business should have written disciplinary and grievance procedures. The Acas Code of Practice provides a guide to creating and managing the right paperwork and processes. If you fail to follow the Code of Practice, you could face an increase of 25% in any award made against you by an employment tribunal. You may want to take legal advice to help you draw up your own procedure.

You need to decide what rules are needed: for example, on inappropriate behaviour – and how serious different offences are. This includes deciding what constitutes gross misconduct, meriting instant dismissal.

The discipline procedure should clearly state what disciplinary actions can be taken and who has the authority to act. It should not include dismissal for a first offence, unless there has been gross misconduct. The rules should be explained to all employees.

Disciplinary issues

Managers need training to ensure that they understand and follow the disciplinary procedure. No formal action should be taken until there has been a thorough investigation of events. When action is taken, managers must act fairly and consistently.

It may be possible to deal with minor offences with an informal discussion. The formal disciplinary procedure should be dealt with for more serious offences. In any case, clear records should be taken of the incident and any action taken. This can be vital if disciplinary action eventually leads to a dismissal which is challenged at an employment tribunal.

Grievances

You should have a written grievance procedure that follows the Acas Code of Practice. Typically, it should require the employee to set out their grievance in writing so it can be investigated. The grievance is then discussed at a meeting and action agreed. Dissatisfied employees should have the right to appeal to someone who was not originally involved.

As with discipline, employees need to know about the procedure and managers need training in dealing with grievances. Training should include helping them identify when a grievance exists – even if a formal complaint has not been made – and how to resolve it informally.