Why is it important to have a disciplinary process in place for your staff?
Having disciplinary processes and procedures in place which comply with standards set by the Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance (the Acas code), helps to maintain appropriate standards of conduct by employees in the workplace.
Whether you are introducing new disciplinary procedures or reviewing existing arrangements, you need to clearly communicate acceptable standards of conduct in the workplace and ensure that everybody is aware of the procedures and processes in place to maintain them.
What are the key elements to consider to ensure disciplinary hearings are conducted fairly and legally?
Whenever a formal disciplinary or grievance process is being followed, it is important that issues are dealt with ‘fairly'. Here are the key elements required for an employee to carry out a fair process:
- deal with issues promptly and do not unreasonably delay meetings, decisions or confirmation of decisions
- act consistently
- carry out thorough and timely any necessary investigations, to establish the facts of the case
- ensure employees understand the basis of the problem and give them an opportunity to put their case in response before any decisions are made
- allow the employees the right to appeal against any formal decision made