Disciplinary rules and procedures policy

When dealing with disciplinary issues, it's critical that you have - and follow - a fair and reasonable procedure, so your staff know what to do and expect. It can also help prevent tribunal claims against you.

This policy helps you to achieve this and complies with the Acas code of practice (in England, Wales and Scotland) and the Statutory Dispute Resolution Procedures and Labour Relations Agency code of practice (in Northern Ireland).

This policy sets out:

• Information about the policy, including who it's for, its purpose and scope, and how it'll be communicated and implemented
• Rules about maintaining confidentiality and dealing with requests for anonymity
• How and when employees may be formally or informally suspended from work
• Information and rules on attending disciplinary or appeal meetings and how you'll conduct disciplinary investigations
• How and when you'll carry out informal disciplinary discussions
• The steps of the formal disciplinary procedure
• The possible outcomes of a disciplinary meeting
• The appeals procedure
• How you'll deal with any grievance raised during the disciplinary procedure
• Examples of serious and gross misconduct
• The consequences of breaching the policy.