5 key things to do if your employer instigates a disciplinary process against you:

1. Request relevant policies – the employer should have a disciplinary policy. Ask for a copy of it.

2. Provide evidence - keep a note of anything important that you believe needs to be raised with your employer. If have documentary evidence supports your case, make sure you provide this to the investigator and prior to the disciplinary hearing.

 3. Engage with the process – whilst investigations and hearings are difficult, if you fail to attend them, the employer will say that they gave you the opportunity to put your side of the story forward and you failed to do so. Also, if you are a regulated professional, your professional Code of Conduct will have rules outlining that you must participate in investigations.

4. Use your right to be accompanied – you have a right to be accompanied at a disciplinary hearing by a union representative or a representative. They can make representations on your behalf, which can be of great assistance when you are going through the stress of a hearing.

 5. Get advice –having someone look over your case and offer you advice on what to expect and how to handle the process can help you to feel slightly less anxious and more in control. Knowledge is power! Please get in touch with me, if you want a representative with you through the process.