Disciplinary Representative.

[Plotloss]

Chap here, lets call him Sick Note has asked me to be his impartial representative at an upcoming disciplinary.

Lord only knows why though.

I've got a sheet of stuff thats expected of me thats all fine.

Will this have any negative impact on my position within the firm?

Never had to do this before and have never been in a disciplinary of my own.

Any wise words?

[slikk]

Worms, can, open.

From experience, i would avoid it if at all possible.

kim

[neil.b]

We've had a couple.

Can't say we thought any worse of the nominated rep. Its understood that its one of those things that is difficult to say "No" to.

Have you been asked to "give evidence", as it were, or just sit in on the hearing?

[crazydave]

Try not to be outspoken but just make sure he gets a decent hearing and is treated fairly.

The only disciplinaries I've partaken in have always gone smoothly (none of them my own thankfully).

I've heard of some where people have been truly stitched up by the fascists. (I've worked in some awful places).

[TVR33]

Your main role will be to observe proceedings and maybe take notes for your colleague. You should not be asked to say anything, eg as a witness. You ought find out what the HR process is - in writing, and make sure that it is followed. I've done this once or twice and it's mainly a matter of process. You are not on trial, nor condoning the alleged behaviour of your colleague.

[slikk]

crazydave said:

I've heard of some where people have been truly stitched up by the fascists. (I've worked in some awful places).

This is what i was referring to, as long as your company are fairly civilised. Just be measured in what you say.

kim

[wolves_wanderer]

As long as it is obvious that you are trying to do your best by "sick note" without trying to shaft the company (hard line to tread) it could well enhance your position. I went in as a representative a couple of times at an old job and each time was told that I was regarded well because of it.

[crazydave]

crazydave said:

I've heard of some where people have been truly stitched up by the fascists. (I've worked in some awful places).

Just want to clarify that comment!

I meant the person on trial if you like, not their representative. As long as you conduct yourself properly you should have nothing to worry about.

[Incorrigible]

Plotloss said:

Never had to do this before and have never been in a disciplinary of my own.

It's only a matter of time

Go to HR, ask them to explain the whole situation. Take a day or two off due to stress etc

[Plotloss]

Cheers for the replies fellas!

It appears to be somewhat of a nasty situation.

He's gone off to request all the personal information thats held about him (that I suppose will go into the case against him) under the DPA ruling.

My remit is apparently to:

Check the facts
Prepare him
Ensure fair play
Be involved in any appeals procedure.

I can see this getting ugly...

[Incorrigible]

Go to HR, say you'd like to but you're shagging his wife and they really should get someone else

[Plotloss]

Incorrigible said:

Go to HR, say you'd like to but you're shagging his wife and they really should get someone else

Theres a picture on his desk.

One of the lads came up with

'Female Peter Sutcliffe' which whilst funny is somewhat harsh so any other excuses?

[crazydave]

Plotloss said:

Incorrigible said: Go to HR, say you'd like to but you're shagging his wife and they really should get someone else Theres a picture on his desk. One of the lads came up with 'Female Peter Sutcliffe' which whilst funny is somewhat harsh so any other excuses?

If she's that bad say that you're shagging him and can't be impartial.

[Bat21]

Having chaired a number of discaplinary hearings, my sympathy has allways been with the person requested to accompany the subject. The roll is to witness the proceedings merely to ensure that the process is fair, you are not permited or requiered to take an active roll in the proceedings although you may obviously confer with the subject during any adjournment of the proceedings. This is a singularly unpopular position to be in, and in my experiance, the fact that you have been requested to accompany a person does not reflect on you in any way.

[Incorrigible]

In all seriousness, can you not say that you can't be impartial because you don't like him

That wouls also go down well with his boss (not that HR wouls ever be so unproffesional to tell them )

[Plotloss]

This is the problem, no one else does and as has been said its not something you can really say no to.

Just been over to HR and they've all gone home.

So it looks like a run down of proceedings on the Monday...

Thanks for the replies chaps, I dont really do authority as such and am somewhat taken aback by this.

[crazydave]

Plotloss said:

Just been over to HR and they've all gone home.

That's HR for you. Probably been gone since midday.

[Incorrigible]

crazydave said:

That's HR for you. Probably been gone since midday.

It's only half four, they're probably still at lunch

[ultimasimon]

Plotloss said:

This is the problem, no one else does and as has been said its not something you can really say no to. Just been over to HR and they've all gone home. So it looks like a run down of proceedings on the Monday... Thanks for the replies chaps, I dont really do authority as such and am somewhat taken aback by this.

If for any reason you were the one in the hot seat, just ask yourself how you would feel if there was someone ready and willing to stand in and help you.

Your moral support alone is priceless for him. As long as you are objective and honest, management will have no problem and will respect you for answering his requests.

In their eyes they want shot anyway if it has got to this point, but it doesn't mean he shouldn't get a fair trial and it is intimidating to be grilled 3 to one or more. In my eyes it's a platform for management projection.

[NikB]

Plotloss said:

Chap here, lets call him Sick Note has asked me to be his impartial representative at an upcoming disciplinary.

That sounds pretty impartial to me

Just remember not to call him sick note in the disciplinary.

BTW what's he supposed to have done?