Discipline in the Workplace

The content of course is suitable for anyone that is required to deal with disciplinary procedures at work.

The training will break down the various elements of the processes from informal to formal right through to appeals and will provide clear guidelines on how to approach the difficult subject of discipline in the workplace

Discipline in the workplace has a pivotal role to play in any organisation. Used correctly and fairly, where appropriate, discipline can ensure that employers, customers, suppliers and employees are protected from any misconduct that may occur within the workplace.

This course sets out to look at how to identify where disciplinary procedures and rules help with employee relations and promote fairness and consistency in the treatment of individuals. They will provide clear guidance on the procedures that should be followed, whilst ensuring participants understand best practice and how to resolve issues early and effectively to minimise the impact poor discipline can have on a business.

Topics covered:

• ACAS Code of Practice & Setting and Maintaining Standards – Statutory requirements relating to discipline within the workplace. What constitutes reasonable behaviour, along with the importance of setting and maintaining standards. Looking at the difference between Capability and Culpability
• Informal or Formal Approach? – Discussing unsatisfactory behaviour with the employee concerned. Deciding on the best approach with the overriding aim of taking corrective, early action
• Informal Approach – Minor misconduct can usually be dealt with informally, the materials will look at counselling: definition, usage and stages to use.
• Formal Approach – Corrective/Formal areas of the process. When it is considered that an employee’s conduct may have breached a rule or standard. The materials look at what constitutes ‘Equity’ and the ‘5 Principles of Justice’ incorporating:
  
  • Fact Finding Investigation – To enable a more informed and balanced decision-making process
  • Preparing for Interview – Practical and interpersonal issues to consider before, during and after a disciplinary interview
  • Note-Taking – During an interview to ensure objective, factual record of the proceedings and statements, including their legal implications
  • Conclusion Notes – The written explanation of the decision; why that particular decision was reached, considerations, options and the rationale for course of action
  • Appeal Process – Ensuring fairness within a disciplinary procedure where the result could be; revoking the decision, confirming the decision, or reducing the penalty
• Bringing it all together – Exercise that reviews the key aspects of the end-to-end process
• Case Study – A chance to review a disciplinary scenario from different perspectives. This can be run as either a discussion and review activity or as a role play. In either approach, participants will explore a disciplinary case with guidance, advice and conclusions.

Anyone who may have to deal with the disciplinary process at work.

None.