Shropshire employers warned knowledge isn’t everything when dealing with disciplinaries

Justine Vaughan, Founder and Director of Triangle Management Training Ltd, the dedicated training division of human resources and people management consultancy Triangle HR, is reminding team leaders and managers across the county that while it’s vital they know the legal obligations when conducting disciplinary, grievance and appeals hearings, it’s just as important to be able to practically put these requirements into action according to their own specific workplace circumstances.

Earlier this month, an employment tribunal in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk ruled that Sandra Craske, the former town clerk at Briston Parish Council, was unfairly and wrongly dismissed by the council because even though it actually had just cause to sack her, it hadn’t followed the correct procedure. Mrs Craske was awarded £2,500 in compensation.

“Examples such as this are becoming increasingly common, and prove that while managers need to understand their legal responsibilities when dealing with sensitive issues such as disciplinaries and grievances in the workplace, it often isn’t as straightforward as just ‘doing things by the book’ – they also need to be aware of how they interpret the law and put it into practice,” Justine explained.

“Managers who are confident and can deal with such issues professionally and fairly, taking into account the personalities of the individuals involved, can help ensure that the wider workplace environment remains positive, irrespective of the final outcome of the disciplinary or grievance hearing. On the other hand, we know of many instances where even though proceedings are carried out to the letter of the law, because of the manner in which they have been conducted, for example managers giving the impression they are operating in an air of secrecy, relations with their wider team are damaged. This can be a hugely negative situation, which can even lead to future cases of serious misconduct, such as staff bullying, going unreported because employees don’t have the trust in their senior supervisors to handle it effectively.”

Through its new series of group workshops covering topics including ‘Conducting Disciplinary and Grievance Hearings’, Triangle Management Training Ltd has been working with local businesses across a variety of industries to ensure their team leaders and managers are suitably prepared.

“As well as giving a comprehensive overview of all the core legal requirements, such as an individual’s right to be accompanied at any grievance or disciplinary meetings, our workshops combine this theoretical knowledge with practical examples and in-depth role plays, so that senior staff are better prepared to deal with situations back in the workplace. Any local employers keen to find out more about our workshops should get in touch on 01743 444007, or email hannah@trianglehr.co.uk,” Justine concluded.

In 2010-11 there were an estimated 236,000 claims brought to employment tribunals, with successful claimants receiving an average compensation payout of £8,900. From April 2013 fees are being introduced for individuals who wish to make a claim at an employment tribunal.