Course Details

Handling Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for effectively handling disciplinary and grievance procedures in the workplace. Recognizing that fair, consistent, and legally compliant processes are fundamental to maintaining a productive work environment, fostering employee trust, and mitigating legal risks, this program equips participants with a structured approach to managing challenging employee situations. Participants will gain deep insights into best practices for investigations, active listening, clear communication, and ensuring due process, all crucial for resolving workplace issues ethically and efficiently. This course is ideal for HR professionals, managers, supervisors, and anyone responsible for upholding workplace standards and addressing employee concerns.

DURATION

5 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in managing employee relations, performance, and workplace conduct, including:

• Human Resources (HR) professionals and managers.
• Line managers, team leaders, and supervisors.
• Employee relations specialists.
• Business owners and senior leaders.
• Union representatives and employee advocates.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of fair and compliant disciplinary procedures.
• Implement effective processes for conducting workplace investigations.
• Apply structured approaches to managing employee grievances.
• Communicate sensitive information clearly and empathetically.
• Mitigate legal risks and ensure due process in all employee relations matters.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of Workplace Discipline and Grievances

• Define disciplinary procedures and grievance procedures and their purpose.
• Explore the legal and ethical principles underpinning fair workplace processes.
• Understand the importance of clear policies, rules, and expectations.
• Discuss the consequences of poorly handled disciplinary and grievance matters.
• Examine the role of consistency and impartiality in all procedures.

Module 2: Understanding Disciplinary Issues and Progressive Discipline

• Identify common types of workplace misconduct and performance issues.
• Understand the concept of progressive discipline and its application.
• Discuss the difference between minor and serious misconduct.
• Explore alternatives to formal discipline (e.g., coaching, counseling).
• Learn about the "just cause" standard in disciplinary actions.

Module 3: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations

• Plan for thorough and objective workplace investigations.
• Understand the steps involved in gathering evidence (e.g., documents, emails, CCTV).
• Discuss best practices for interviewing witnesses and subjects.
• Learn to assess credibility and conflicting evidence.
• Ensure documentation, confidentiality, and legal compliance throughout the investigation.

Module 4: Disciplinary Hearings and Decision-Making

• Understand the legal requirements for conducting a fair disciplinary hearing.
• Discuss the roles and responsibilities of all parties in a hearing.
• Learn techniques for presenting evidence and allowing for defense.
• Explore the decision-making process, including determining appropriate sanctions.
• Understand the importance of clear, written communication of disciplinary outcomes.

Module 5: Managing Employee Grievances Effectively

• Define employee grievances and their various forms.
• Understand the benefits of a robust grievance procedure for employee morale and retention.
• Discuss the steps involved in receiving, logging, and acknowledging grievances.
• Explore informal and formal resolution methods (e.g., mediation, conciliation).
• Learn about escalation procedures for unresolved grievances.

Module 6: Grievance Investigations and Resolution

• Apply principles of fair investigation to grievance complaints.
• Understand the process of interviewing complainants and respondents in a grievance context.
• Discuss techniques for analyzing grievance evidence and identifying root causes.
• Explore strategies for proposing and implementing effective resolutions.
• Learn to document grievance outcomes and communicate decisions clearly.

Module 7: Communication, Documentation, and Record-Keeping

• Develop clear and empathetic communication strategies for disciplinary and grievance discussions.
• Understand the importance of thorough and accurate record-keeping for all procedures.
• Discuss legal requirements for maintaining employee records and confidentiality.
• Explore the use of templates and standardized forms for consistency.
• Learn to draft effective letters and internal memos related to these processes.

Module 8: Legal Risks, Appeals, and Best Practices

• Identify common legal pitfalls and risks in handling disciplinary and grievance matters (e.g., unfair dismissal claims).
• Understand the importance of legal advice and when to seek it.
• Discuss internal and external appeal mechanisms for disciplinary and grievance decisions.
• Explore strategies for continuous review and improvement of policies and procedures.
• Share best practices for fostering a positive employee relations culture through effective processes.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com