Action list: Holding a disciplinary hearing

Action list

1. Gather the facts — the allegation, evidence, and the employee’s past record; consider whether the situation merits a formal interview.
2. Inform the employee in writing, explaining the reason for the hearing and when it will take place; allow the employee at least three working days’ notice to prepare a case.
3. Arrange for any witnesses, or evidence you or the employee want to present at the hearing, to be available.
4. Tell the employee that they can bring a colleague (or union representative) to the hearing.
5. Review your procedures and make sure they conform to new legal requirements. Take advice if in doubt.
6. Prepare yourself to be calm and open-minded throughout the hearing; be ready to adjourn the hearing if tempers become frayed.
7. Begin the hearing by explaining what will happen; set and keep to an agenda to maintain control of the hearing.
8. Present the case against the employee.
9. Allow time for a response and consider the case from the other side.
10. Clarify any mitigating circumstances: for example, if the employee was unaware of the rules, or similar behaviour is widespread.
11. Encourage suggestions to help overcome the problem.
12. Summarise the discussion and adjourn to make any further investigations necessary and to reach a decision.
13. Consider how serious the offence is, what action it merits and any steps which could be taken to improve the situation.
14. Inform the employee of your decision as soon as possible in writing; issue and explain any warning.
15. Explain that the employee has the right to appeal; if possible any appeal should be heard by someone senior who has not been involved in the initial hearing.
16. Throughout, keep a detailed written record; ask the employee to sign any improvement plan, and emphasise the consequences of further offences.

Cardinal Rules

Do:

• investigate thoroughly beforehand
• listen to the employee’s case
• look for ways to improve the situation
• look for ways to improve the situation
• look for ways to improve the situation
• apply your procedure fairly and consistently
• keep a written recordkeep a written record
• keep a written recordkeep a written record

Don’t:

• jump to conclusions before hearing the employee’s case
• become hostile or lose your temper
• make hasty decisions