We foster a culture in which you can raise any workplace problems, complaints, or concerns in a supportive framework, and we will ensure that all genuine grievances are dealt with quickly and fairly.

Most grievances can be resolved informally. However, if an informal approach does not resolve matters or is not appropriate, you may choose to raise a formal grievance.

This policy outlines the grievance process, the roles of those involved and the support available.

This policy does not form part of your contract of employment, and we reserve the right to amend or withdraw it at any time.

Introduction

This policy applies to employees. It does not apply to contractors, consultants or any self-employed individuals working for the organisation.

If you have a grievance related to ongoing disciplinary proceedings against you, you should raise this during the disciplinary procedure (for example, during the disciplinary meeting or appeal stage).

If you raise a grievance during disciplinary proceedings unrelated to those proceedings, the disciplinary proceedings and grievance procedure will normally run independently in parallel.

Mediation

Depending on the nature of your grievance, we may suggest mediation as a means of trying to resolve it. This involves the appointment of a third-party mediator, who will discuss your grievance with all those involved and seek to facilitate a resolution. We will use mediation only where you and the other parties involved in your grievance agree to do so.

Fairness and respect

We recognise that a grievance procedure can be stressful and upsetting. Everyone involved in the process is entitled to be treated calmly and respectfully.

We will not tolerate abusive or insulting behaviour from anyone participating in a grievance procedure and will treat any such behaviour as misconduct under our disciplinary procedure.

Remote proceedings

We will conduct the process remotely, where it is impossible to hold a face-to-face meeting under this procedure. We will ensure that all those participating have access to the necessary technology. Your rights will not be affected, and we will ensure that the procedure remains fair and reasonable.

Adjustments to proceedings

If any aspect of the grievance procedure causes you difficulty because of a disability, or if you need assistance because English is not your first language, you should raise this with  Courtney Dodds, who will make appropriate arrangements for you.

Recording of meetings

A written record of all meetings conducted under this procedure will be made, either by the person holding the meeting or by an additional person arranged by us to take notes.