This month’s topic focuses on fair procedures at disciplinary meetings and Linda has prepared a sample policy to guide HR professionals when dealing with disciplinary matters.

The procedure an employer uses when seeking to discipline employees is a crucial factor considered by courts and tribunals when deciding on the fairness of disciplinary sanctions imposed by an employer. The benefit of using clear, fair procedures in a disciplinary process is twofold; at the beginning of the process it means that the employee and the persons carrying out the disciplinary process are clear on what procedures apply to them; at the end of the process it can be an important defence for the employer should a claim be lodged by the employee