Conducting Workplace Investigations and Hearings
Event Review
Although the investigation of employee misconduct or grievances may not be at the top of many HR managers’ agendas, it is crucial that investigations and hearings are dealt with in line with the statutory disciplinary and grievance procedures – not following protocol can land you with unwanted tribunal cases and disrupted employee relations. JSB’s well-established seminar on this subject runs twice a year and has been attended by many HR Managers who realise the need to manage workplace investigations and hearings confidently and within the law – and need to gain the skills and knowledge to avoid costly mistakes that the mismanagement of this process can lead to.
When managing investigations and hearings, familiarity with the law is not enough - it is just as important to have the skills required to deal with particularly tricky situations and to extract relevant information, collect key evidence, write detailed notes and interpret ambiguous behaviour. The case study and role play approach on day two of this seminar does just that – it equips individuals with the skills to react to, and handle, difficult situations. Role plays may not be a favourite training approach for some people, but the initial reluctance at taking part is overcome by the learning outcome: Kath Edgeley HR Officer at The Royal British Region says "Although I initially dreaded the role play, I did find it very useful and very relevant. It was great getting feedback from group members."
Over the last two years senior HR professionals from a variety of industries, including the legal, financial, retail, manufacturing, media and public sectors, have benefited from this learning. Allison Alleyne from Homerton Hospital comments: "A timely and well-structured seminar - value for money and very enjoyable." The seminar is delivered by Penny Macmillan, a leading employment law specialist with a unique combination of HR, legal and employee relations training and experience, who provides delegates with a really practical understanding of the subject. Penny is frequently commended on her interactive training approach: "It is refreshing to meet an employment law specialist who gives a `straight answer` to a question!” says Sue Geall from Thomson Directories.
Clearly, there is still a real need for HR to be well-informed on the statutory disciplinary and grievance procedures. Want to find out if you’re managing your workplace investigations and hearings in line with HR best practice? Do take a moment to read our ‘top tips for investigating allegations of serious misconduct’ on our Hints and Tips page and decide for yourself!
Vicky Weber
Manager - Public Courses, Seminars and Conferences
JSB Training and Development