Disciplinary Procedure

Disciplinary Procedure for Staff on Grades 1 - 4

1. Introduction

1.1 The Disciplinary Procedure provides a fair and consistent framework for dealing with disciplinary matters in a prompt and efficient manner and is be used where there are concerns regarding the conduct or behaviour of employees. The Procedure is informed and guided by the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (April 2009).

1.2 This procedure applies to all employees employed on Grades 1-4 within the University. The disciplinary procedures will not normally apply to concerns regarding capability which will normally be dealt with under the University’s capability procedures. However, where issues of performance and conduct are interrelated, they will be dealt with under this procedure.

1.3 Concerns regarding conduct or behaviour of staff are normally addressed promptly and informally by line management, with recourse to mediation where appropriate. The Isolated minor infringements will normally be dealt with informally by Schools. Formal disciplinary procedures are invoked when necessitated by the nature or frequency of the alleged concerns.

1.4 The procedure is underpinned by the principles of natural justice, fairness and equality and will be applied without distinction.

1.5 The University seeks to ensure that confidentiality is maintained throughout the process in the interests of protecting the employee’s reputation with colleagues. The employee is also expected to maintain the confidentiality of the process and to respect the right of others to raise concerns and the University’s duty to investigate them. The undertaking of confidentiality during the process does not prevent the University from providing relevant information including the nature of the proven allegations and the outcomes to any person with a legitimate need to know and where it is in the public interest to disclose that information.

1.6 If it is not possible for an employee to attend...