Disciplinary procedures, hearings and appeals

Before you hold a disciplinary hearing, you should:

• familiarise yourself with the statutory dismissal and disciplinary procedures, the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, and your own enhanced dismissal and disciplinary procedure so that you apply it correctly and act fairly and consistently
• carry out a full investigation, familiarise yourself with the facts established from the investigation including any witness statements and details of any past disciplinary action taken against the employee
• arrange for someone to take notes

You should also ensure the employee has:

• plenty of time before the meeting to prepare their case and consult any representatives
• details of the complaint, the procedure to be followed, and the need for them to attend a disciplinary hearing
• had the opportunity to exercise their right to be accompanied at the hearing by a colleague or trade union representative
• copies of any documents you intend to rely on as evidence at the hearing

If the employee is a trade union representative, it is advisable to discuss the case with a full-time trade union officer or senior trade union representative. You should get the employee's agreement to this before discussing the case.