You have an invitation to attend a disciplinary hearing. In it, your employer should share details of the allegations made against you. Generally, these allegations will centre around three issues: your conduct in the workplace, your ability to do your job, or time spent off work.
You should also be offered the option to take along a companion. This is your legal right, and one worth exercising. It should be a work colleague or a union representative, although your employer may allow others depending on your circumstances.
Unfortunately, employers rarely allow you to bring legal representation. If you feel you need that support, speak to an employment solicitor.
Before you walk into that meeting, make sure you are fully prepared to defend yourself against the allegations.
Your disciplinary hearing may be held virtually. If this happens, you, your employer, and your companion or representative must join the meeting on a video call.
What happens at a disciplinary hearing?
Hearing the case
You step into the meeting room and take a seat. You will be greeted by your employer, alongside a note-taker who will record the meeting in writing.
Ideally, the manager conducting the hearing should be different from the one who carried out the investigation, as this helps make the disciplinary procedure less biased. It is not always practical or possible, though. In larger organisations, you may face a panel, although it should still be chaired by one person.
At the start of your hearing, your employer will restate the case against you. You will hear details of the allegations and see the presentation of evidence. Witness statements may also be included.
Defending yourself
After listening to the case against you, you will be given the chance to raise a defence. Your employer must let you set out your case and respond to all allegations.
During this time, make sure you:
- Show any evidence that disputes the allegations
- Use supporting documents that help bolster your work and credentials
- Ask questions
- Call, question, and respond to witnesses, if applicable
This is arguably the most important part of the hearing. Handling it badly could lead to losing your job.
Disciplinary hearings can get emotional. Some employees lash out in the heat of the moment, while others find the whole process too nerve-racking to speak.
Stay calm and level-headed throughout, making sure to rely on the notes and preparation you did in the run-up to the meeting.
Companions and representatives in disciplinary hearings
If you find the disciplinary process overwhelming, it is time to call on the support of your union representative or companion.
First, make sure they fully understand the case against you and your defence. That way, during the hearing, they will be able to:
- Set out your case at the start and sum up at the end
- Respond to comments on your behalf
- Privately discuss the allegations with you
- Make notes
What they cannot do, without the employer’s consent, is answer questions for you.
Ending the hearing
As the hearing draws to a close, your employer will explain the next steps in the process.
Before taking any disciplinary action, your employer will review the allegation and the evidence. They may also want to investigate any disputes or conflicts that arise.
If you accept the case against you, you should be allowed to make a statement of mitigation.
For example, if you agree that you lacked the capability to perform your job, you may wish to point out that you were never given training or were not told the correct procedure.
In some cases, the employer may accept your evidence and end the disciplinary process. This might happen where an honest mistake has occurred.
What happens after a disciplinary meeting?
Once it is over, keep an eye on your inbox. Look out for a written record and check that it accurately reflects the meeting. You may be asked to sign this as confirmation.
After careful consideration, your employer may decide to:
- Give you a formal warning
- Suspend or demote you
- End the process
- Dismiss you
You will be notified of the decision in writing. Your employer should also set out what you did, what improvements they would like to see, and any penalties to be imposed.
What if I dispute the decision?
No matter how well you prepare for your disciplinary hearing, there is a chance your employer will still take disciplinary action against you.
This may include:
- Dismissal
- Suspension or demotion
- Formal warning
Your employer’s decision should be fair, proportionate, and based on the evidence heard during your disciplinary. But that does not mean you have to accept the outcome.
You have a legal right to appeal a disciplinary if you believe:
- The disciplinary process was mishandled
- The action taken was unfair or too harsh
- You have further evidence or documents to support your case
After your disciplinary hearing, your employer should write to you informing you of the disciplinary action. In this letter or email, they should let you know that you can appeal the decision.
This may be through your HR department or manager, so check your company handbook for details of the process.
Lodge your appeal in writing within five days of the outcome. This countdown starts once you receive the outcome of your hearing in writing. Time is important, and any delay may reflect poorly on your case.
In your appeal, explain why you believe the employer’s action is wrong and how you would like to proceed. For example, you may want them to review new evidence or hold a new disciplinary hearing.
What to expect during your appeal
Once you have made your appeal, expect a similar process to your disciplinary hearing.
Your employer will write to you confirming the date, time, and location, while giving you enough time, usually three to five days, to prepare.
The meeting should be carried out by a member of staff who was not involved in the original hearing or pre-disciplinary investigation. Wherever possible, a more senior employer should conduct the meeting. This helps ensure an impartial and unbiased appeal. For the same reasons, any re-investigation of the allegations should also be conducted by a different staff member.
During the appeal, you will again hear the allegations against you. You should restate your defence, offer any extra evidence you have, and make sure the disciplinary process follows the ACAS Code of Practice.
Both you and your employer may ask questions that help resolve the case.
As with your original hearing, you can bring along a companion or employee representative. However, without your employer’s consent, which is highly unlikely, you cannot bring legal representation.
Make sure you keep all documents and communications relating to the allegations against you. You may need them if you later seek legal advice.
What to do if your appeal fails
If your appeal still fails, it may be time to find a solicitor who can help. They will be able to advise on your next steps.
Early conciliation
Early conciliation involves discussing the matter with your employer and trying to find a solution that works for both parties. A solicitor can represent you, communicate with your employer, and act as a mediator.
If your case is eligible for an employment tribunal, it is expected that you have tried early conciliation. Not taking this step could seriously harm your claim and see you lose out on pay.
During conciliation, your solicitor can negotiate your return to work or the termination of your contract, along with any pay and benefits due.
At the end of this process, which can take up to six weeks, you and your employer receive a legally binding COT3 agreement if a solution is reached.
If no agreement is reached, you will receive a certificate that can then be used when bringing the case to an employment tribunal.
Employment tribunal
Before taking the case to a tribunal, it is a good idea to speak to an employment solicitor. This is now a legal matter, and you will want to make sure you get it right the first time.
Employment tribunals are used when you have been treated unlawfully. For example, you may have been unfairly dismissed, faced workplace discrimination, or had your pay illegally docked. Losing your job over health and safety matters or whistleblowing is also a reason to take a case to tribunal.
Not all workers can make a claim with an employment tribunal, though. A solicitor will be able to advise.
The first step is to notify ACAS that you intend to make a claim and, if you have not already done so, to consider early conciliation.
Once notified, you and your solicitor can begin making your claim.
Your employer will also be told of the hearing at least 14 days before it takes place.
Alternative options
A solicitor may advise that your case is not appropriate for an employment tribunal. However, you may still have some recourse. They may even believe you can take your case to court.
Speak to an employment solicitor
Whether you are looking to settle a disciplinary issue or take your employer to a tribunal, an employment solicitor is best placed to give you the expert advice you need and help you prepare your case.
You will not need one during the early stages of a disciplinary. But it can be wise to get them involved as soon as your employer takes any disputed disciplinary action.
Use The Law Superstore’s quick quote form to find an employment solicitor with the right experience at the right price.
What to do when attending a disciplinary hearing?
When attending a disciplinary hearing, it is important to be well prepared and composed. First, familiarise yourself with the details of the allegations against you.
Review any relevant documents or evidence provided by your employer. It is advisable to prepare a clear and concise response to each point raised.
You have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or a trade union representative. During the hearing, listen carefully, respond honestly to questions, and present your side of the story clearly.
It is also important to take notes during the hearing for your records.
Is a disciplinary hearing a dismissal?
A disciplinary hearing is not necessarily a dismissal. It is a meeting to discuss allegations of misconduct or performance issues and to give the employee an opportunity to respond.
The outcome of a disciplinary hearing can vary, ranging from no action to a warning, or in some cases, dismissal.
However, dismissal is usually considered a last resort and often follows a series of warnings or previous disciplinary action, unless the misconduct is severe.
Should I be worried about a disciplinary hearing?
It is natural to feel concerned about a disciplinary hearing, but it is important to approach it with a calm and prepared mindset.
Remember, the purpose of the hearing is to discuss the issues raised and to give you a chance to present your side. It is an opportunity for open dialogue and not necessarily an indication of an imminent negative outcome.
Being well prepared, understanding the allegations, and having a clear account of your perspective can help ease some of the worry.
How do I prepare myself for a disciplinary meeting?
To prepare for a disciplinary meeting, follow these steps:
- Understand the allegations: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the allegations against you. Request written details if you have not already received them.
- Gather evidence: Collect any relevant documents, emails, or other evidence that support your case or provide context to the situation.
- Prepare your response: Think about how you will respond to each point of the allegation. Be honest and factual in your responses.
- Know your rights: Familiarise yourself with your company’s disciplinary policy and your legal rights, including the right to be accompanied.
- Seek advice: Consider getting advice from a trade union representative, HR professional, or legal adviser, especially if the allegations are serious.
- Plan your questions: Prepare any questions you have about the process or the allegations.
- Stay calm and professional: During the meeting, remain calm, listen carefully, and explain your responses clearly and professionally.
- Take notes: Keep detailed notes during the meeting for your records.
- Consider the outcome: Be prepared for different outcomes and think about your next steps in each scenario.
