Core Service
Disciplinary & Grievance
Protect your business from tribunal risks with impartial, expert process handling for complex staff disputes.
Legal Requirement
Why is this critical?
On occasion, sensitive issues arise. Whether to conduct concerns or employee grievances that require delicate handling. To avoid unfair dismissal claims, these must be handled in strict accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice.
Failure to follow due process (Investigation > Hearing > Decision > Appeal) is the primary cause of employers losing tribunals, regardless of the facts of the case.
ACAS
The Code of Practice you must follow. Failure to do so can increase tribunal compensation awarded against you by up to 25%.
Comprehensive Coverage
We Manage the Process for You
For smaller companies lacking independent managers, handling these procedures internally can look biased to a tribunal. We can step in to run the process on your behalf. Hover below to explore.
STAGE ONE
The Investigation
We conduct thorough, impartial investigations to establish the facts, protecting the company from accusations of a predetermined outcome.
- Fact Finding
- Witness Statements
- Evidence Gathering
- Job Title & Description
- Probationary Periods
- Notice Periods
STAGE TWO
The Hearing
We advise on how to conduct disciplinary hearings, ensuring the employee has a fair opportunity to state their case (a legal requirement).
- How to Chair Disciplinary Hearings
- Hearing Grievances
- Questioning Witnesses
- Detailed Note Taking
- Adjournment Management
- Outcome Deliberation
STAGE THREE
Outcome & Appeal
We advise and guide based on commercial reality so the appeal process finalises the matter.
- Written Decision Letters
- Sanction Recommendations
- Dismissal Protocols
- Appeal Hearings
- Final Determinations
- Settlement Agreements
Case Study
The "Biased Manager" Risk
A small business client faced a grievance from an employee claiming their manager was bullying them. The company had no independent manager to hear the grievance, risking a claim of bias.
"Because the only other manager was the owner's brother, the employee claimed the entire process was rigged from the start."
NewmanHR stepped in as an external investigator. We heard the grievance objectively and submitted our findings to management. Minimising the risk of the business having to contest a claim, protecting the business from a constructive dismissal claim and resolving the dispute internally.
25%
Potential uplift in fines if ACAS code is ignored.
100%
Impartiality guaranteed.
Why Choose Us
Expertise You Can Trust
Procedural errors are the easiest way for an employer to lose a tribunal. We ensure every step is compliant, documented, and fair.
Professional Indemnity
Unlike handling it yourself, our advice and process management is backed by full professional indemnity insurance.
Bespoke Drafting
We don't just follow a script; we react to the specific evidence and arguments presented, ensuring a genuinely fair hearing.
process management
Disciplinary, grievance, whistleblowing and discrimination issues are legally risky for your business. Let us take the burden of the process off your shoulders.
Recommended Further Information
As independent managers based in Finchley, we handle disciplinary & grievance procedures for companies across London and the Home Counties.