Independent Investigations & Appeal Officer

Quick and efficient outcomes

As a business you may simply not have the time or experience to conduct the necessary investigations into disciplinary offences or grievances made by employees. Furthermore when it comes to actually dealing with appeals against disciplinary sanctions or grievances there may be no other director that can deal with it impartially leaving you at risk of a finding of unfair dismissal.

This is where I can help.

Independent Investigations

Typical of examples of investigations I am asked to undertake:-

Allegations of Gross Misconduct including theft, fraud, fighting, smoking, bullying & harassment;
Grievances of discrimination, bullying and harassment;

If instructed I will complete the entire investigation for you including:-

Agreeing the scope of the investigation;
In a grievance situation liaise directly with the employee;
Interviewing witnesses;
Gathering relevant evidence such as photographs, reviewing CCTV, reviewing email evidence and mobile phone records;
Drafting a comprehensive investigation report and presenting all the evidence and making a recommendation as to the appropriate course of action;

Independent Appeal Officer

An employee is entitled to appeal against a disciplinary sanction or decision to dismiss or the outcome of a grievance. In a small business the availability of a director who hasn’t previously been involved in the matter to provide an impartial appeal officer is quite common. The way round this is to appoint an independent appeal officer to hear the employees appeal and provide a recommendation to the company as to what the outcome should be.

I am happy to act as an Independent Appeal Officer for your business. My instruction will usually include:-

Reviewing the papers of the case prior to the appeal;
Attending an appeal meeting with the employee;
Carrying out any follow up investigations;
Drafting a detailed appeal outcome;
If subsequently required, attending as a witness at an Employment Tribunal.

Having an independent appeal officer and a robust appeal outcome report often will placate an employee who believes that a disciplinary or grievance process is a ‘whitewash’ and will mean it is less likely that they will proceed to an Employment Tribunal proving good value for money in the long term.

Costs

I am happy to provide a free no-obligation quote for an investigation or appeal that will include travel to your business premises anywhere in the UK. Please get in touch.

Quick and efficient outcomes

This is where I can help.