Managing allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a manager

Background

A client approached me with a sensitive issue involving a young worker who had reported being sworn at by their manager in front of colleagues. The employee felt humiliated and upset and was unsure about how to proceed. Adding complexity to the situation, this was not the first time the manager had faced similar accusations; a similar incident had been reported six months earlier.

The client was concerned about the potential for further complaints and wanted to ensure that the situation was managed fairly and in line with legal obligations and company policy.

Steps Taken to Resolve the Issue

1. Understanding Legal Obligations and Company Policies

I began by reviewing the organisation’s code of conduct, anti-bullying, and grievance policies to ensure they clearly defined unacceptable behaviour and the process for raising complaints. I also familiarised myself with relevant employment laws, including protections for young workers and obligations under the Equality Act.

2. Initial Complaint Handling

I advised the client to meet privately with the young worker to gather detailed information about the incident. The meeting was conducted in a supportive and confidential setting, allowing the employee to share their account without fear of retaliation.

Key points from the discussion included:

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