Disciplinary Interview - who can attend for the interviewee?

[Marcellus]

As per subject really.... A "friend" who is a Director of a large Company has never forgotten where they came from and always makes time and says hello to everyone who has ever worked for them directly or indirectly.

When they visit a site, they still plan time to go around and say hello to everyone who works there, from FLT driver to GM.. not in a condescending way of some Directors but in a friendly way.

This week they went to a site and was approached by a warehouse worker who had an issue;
- They've been invited to attend a Disciplinary Interview (the company have followed the correct procedure in invites, notice, explanation etc)
- He had a co-worker lined up to go as his witness.
- His co-worker now can't go (going on holiday) and the company won't move the disciplinary interview until he gets back (poss not adhering to process??)
- The Warehouse guy has asked my friend to go as his witness as "they always seem OK and know what they're doing"
- My friend has asked the guy if he did what he's being accused of and told him he's a prat!
- But neither feel what he's been accused of is the end of the world and shouldn't result in any more than a rather large slap on the wrists.
- However, it appears that the GM has an axe to grind against his employees doing what the guy has been accused of and is wanting the warehouse supervisor to take this one all the way.
- The friend doesn't really want to get involved but is there any legal/process reason why they shouldn't?

(basically they're looking for a friendly way they can say; sorry you're in a mess but I can't really help you because of xyz and that's not my decision, good luck anyhow)

[Slurms]

He can go as a witness but it won't commit him to saying or doing anything - he is just going along to witness the interview.

He could ask questions on the employees behalf if he wanted but isn't obligated to do anything other than sit there.

[Grenoble]

He can go to make sure process is followed.

If he is a heavy weight in the company then there is little risk - and they might be more lenient than otherwise.

[edc]

If he is higher up the food chain and may be required for any subsequent appeal procedures then the Director should keep him/herself out of the process at the early stages. There is even no obligation to attend let alone say anything at the meeting.

[Mattt]

Just to clarify both work for the same company? I think the Director would be mad to get involved personally.

If he's that concerned he should approach the relevant people about the issue internally.

[Marcellus]

To catch up on this;
- Appreciate that they don't have to say anything (in fact iirc they're not allowed to say anything but can give support/counsel to the employee being interviewed) Yes they do work for the same company.
- Even if the employee is found "guilty" and decides to appeal and then appeal the appeal and appeals again it still doesn't get to their level in the organisation where my friend might be involved in the appeal.
- Even if it went that far (6appeals) it is very unlikely that my friend would be involved from a corporate perspective.
- We agree with you Mattt they really don't want to get involved... it's just how can they avoid being involved without saying that to the employee?

[starblood]

Can't this Director use some clout to get the disciplinary date changed? Then the original person who was meant to go can do so when they are back off holiday?

Surely that is easier than coming up with an elaborate excuse.

[davepoth]

The director really can't be seen to be getting involved in disciplinary issues at a site level - effectively destroying any authority the GM has. In that respect it's probably a little bit iffy to even have a quiet word about delaying the meeting. Your friend needs to have a word with the HR director to see what they think, and I'd possibly want to talk to the MD too.

Of course it may be that they want to undermine the authority of that GM.

[edc]

This person in question is a director? Can't they just simply say no. They must deal with much tougher conversations and issues than this! They must have other business priorities.