With the introduction of the new Employment Law Directives in October 2004, all companies in the UK are subject to claims of unfair dismissal if they do not follow the procedures to the letter. If systems are not followed whether the reasoning for the disciplinary action is deemed fair the case may still be decided as unfair due to the employer failing to follow correct procedures.

 

The very basis of a Disciplinary Procedure is the efficient provision of up to date Terms and Conditions and Staff Handbooks. Without these it is practically impossible to defend a Tribunal case. With this in mind I am proposing the following training.

 

Who will benefit

Anyone who is responsible for or likely to be involved in handling discipline and grievance in the workplace.

The course will have eight modules of three hours and will be run over a four month period. It is designed for Directors, Managers and Supervisors who have to deal with workforce issues.

 

Objectives

• Explain the key legislation that impacts on handling Discipline and Grievance in the workplace
• State the rights of the employee in the disciplinary and grievance process
• Manage absence and poor performance in a positive manner within the legal framework
• Conduct fair and objective investigations relating to disciplinary and grievance issues
• Carryout effective disciplinary/grievance hearings using a range of key communication and interpersonal skills

 

Module One - The Legal Framework

• Direct legislation
• Impacting legislation
• Codes of practice
• The role and influence of ACAS
• Case Study

Module Two - Disciplinary Policies and Procedures

• Purposes and essential features
• Managing poor performance, absenteeism, ill-health
• Employee rights
• Levels of Disciplinary action and timescales involved
• Minor/Gross misconduct and types of dismissal
• Case Study

Module Three - Grievance Policies and Procedures

• Purpose and essential features
• Special considerations
• Levels of authority and timescales involved

Module Four - Preparing for a Disciplinary / Grievance Hearing

• Carrying out the investigations
• Interviewing witness's and taking statements
• Taking account of / setting precedents
• Preparing the cases and strategy
• Case Study

Module Five - The Disciplinary/Grievance Hearing

• Effective formats
• Do's and Don'ts
• Choosing and preparing the Venue
• Opening the hearing
• Taking notes and records
• Use of adjournments
• Closing the hearing
• Case Study

Module Six – Case Study

• Disciplinary and Performance review templates
• Case Studies

Module Seven – The Appeals Procedures

• Formats and templates
• Case studies and Role Plays

Module Eight – Theory into Practice

• Case Studies and Role Plays
• These will be your own company case studies and any role play decided will be totally pertinent