Our employment team has extensive experience in advising on the drafting, implementation, application and review of all relevant employment policies and processes, including those relating to disciplinary and grievance complaints. We can support your operational managers, working alongside your in house HR teams, in advising on internal processes, including assisting in formulating a “route map” and strategy from the outset for the successful completion of the internal investigatory process. This is particularly relevant where there are highly sensitive and potentially costly issues such as bullying and harassment or whistle blowing allegations being made. We regularly advise clients on many of the practical and problematic issues that arise for managers and HR teams, including matters relating to the management of overlapping processes, suspension, delays and postponements as well anonymous and/or reluctant witnesses.
As part of our service, we regularly provide bespoke training on the applicable statutory framework, including the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievances, and best practice which provides practical tools for ensuring a thorough investigation, including evidence gathering, report writing and hearing processes. We provide a package of template documents and correspondence to assist your team in carrying out effective and comprehensive investigation and hearing processes.
By working closely and in partnership with our clients, in both the public and private sector, we have facilitated a skills transfer to managers on the ground, assisted employers in reducing the number and timescale in dealing with these matters and in doing so, have worked with our clients in managing their HR legal spend.