Grievance hearing script template
Supporting information
If you are holding a grievance hearing, use this model script to help you navigate through the meeting legally and effectively.
Grievance hearing script
[Opening]
Hello [employee name], thank you for coming to this grievance hearing today.
[Purpose of the meeting]
The purpose of this hearing is to address any concerns you have raised and to work towards finding a resolution. We want to ensure that you have the opportunity to share your grievances, and we will take them seriously.
I will listen to your concerns set out in your letter of [date], give you an opportunity to explain further and to ask you any clarifying questions we may have[, and outline the results of our recent investigation].
Once you have provided more details of your grievance, we will then adjourn the meeting [to investigate further]/[and I will decide whether to uphold any or all of your grievance.
This will be notified to you in writing along with details of any actions to be taken as a result.]
I will now go through your allegations in turn - [Address each item in turn, allowing employee to explain, and responding where possible].
[Employee's suggested resolution]
Can you tell me what you think would be an appropriate resolution to your grievance?
[Conclusion]
Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. We will take your grievances seriously and work towards finding a solution that works for everyone. I will take into account everything you have said, and will [consider my decision.]/[be in touch once the investigation is completed in order to reconvene this hearing.]
If you have any further concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to us."
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What is this for?
The purpose of a grievance hearing script is to ensure that the hearing is conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The script outlines the purpose of the hearing, summarizes the nature of the grievance, and sets out ground rules for the hearing, such as speaking order, time limits, and rules of evidence.
The script also reminds participants that the focus of the hearing is on finding a fair and just resolution to the issue at hand, and not on assigning blame or taking sides. Overall, the script is designed to promote a constructive and respectful dialogue among all parties involved in the hearing.
Employment law compliance
Here are some key pieces of UK employment legislation that employers should be aware of when implementing a grievance hearing script:
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The Employment Rights Act 1996: This act provides employees with the right to raise a grievance with their employer, and sets out the basic requirements for handling grievance procedures.
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The Equality Act 2010: This act prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of a range of protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.
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The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: This code provides practical guidance for employers on how to handle disciplinary and grievance procedures fairly and consistently.
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The Data Protection Act 2018: This act regulates the processing of personal data, including data collected during the grievance process, and sets out employees' rights to access and correct their personal data.
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The Human Rights Act 1998: This act incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, and provides employees with a range of rights, including the right to a fair hearing.
Documentation sequence
Grievance hearing invitation letter template
If an employee raises a formal grievance, use this model letter template as an invitation to a grievance hearing to discuss their issues or complaints in detail.
Grievance hearing outcome confirmation letter template
If a grievance hearing has been held, send this model letter template for confirmation of the outcome, and a right of appeal.
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