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Using the disciplinary process 
There are two main areas where a disciplinary system may be used: capability/performance and conduct. 
 
Capability/performance 
Capability issues may arise because an employee doesn't have adequate training or is unable to perform the work to a satisfactory standard for another reason. An employer must try to identify the reason and give appropriate support, before invoking a formal procedure. 
 
Situations where an individual is unable to do their job because of ill health may also fall into this category. In these instances, an employee should be dealt with empathetically and offered appropriate support. Unacceptable levels of absence could still result in the employer making use of sickness absence procedures and warnings - see more in our Absence management factsheet. The employer should be mindful in cases of absence where the individual has a disability to ensure that it is compliant with the Equality Act and the duty to make reasonable adjustments – see more in our Disability and employment factsheet. 
 
Conduct 
Employee misconduct could cover a wide range of issues that vary in their level of seriousness, including: 
continued lateness 
failure to follow a reasonable management instruction 
abuse of the organisation’s computer system or Internet access 
bullying behaviour or creating a hostile work environment 
theft 
fighting 
a criminal offence. 
In all cases, an employer should follow their own procedures as well as the code of practice. 
 
The more serious offences may constitute gross misconduct, which could involve offences such as theft, physical violence or serious insubordination. Although the employer can dismiss an employee with immediate effect in a case of gross misconduct, it’s still important to follow a fair procedure and investigate the alleged offence. There should also be an opportunity for the employee to respond before making a decision to dismiss 
 
Stages of the process 
If disciplinary action is to be taken, it should usually have at least three main stages: 
a letter 
a meeting 
an appeal. 
 
The employer should always carry out a full and fair investigation to determine the facts and to decide if further action is necessary. Acas has published guidance for those carrying out investigations, and recommends that an investigator should be trained for the role. 
 
Record-keeping 
Employers should keep meticulous records of disciplinary action and communication, which will be vital should a case go to an employment tribunal. The type of records to keep include: 
minutes of all meetings 
texts 
emails 
attendance notes 
notes of telephone calls 
copies of correspondence. 
 
Handling disciplinary interviews 
The employer should train and support all line managers to ensure that they are confident and competent to carry out disciplinary meetings. HR should advise about relevant legislation and the organisation’s own policies and procedures, and how to prepare for and conduct interviews and meetings. 
 
An employee or worker (see our Employment status factsheet) is entitled to be accompanied by a work colleague or trade union official at formal disciplinary and grievance interviews. It’s good practice for an employer to offer this at any investigatory meeting. Employers don’t usually have to allow other companions (for example family members or lawyers) but may do so if they wish. 
 
Key recommendations: 
Ensure everyone involved in conducting the disciplinary process understands the importance of following the correct procedure; even if the case against an employee seems proven, the individual may still be treated unfairly if the correct procedures aren’t followed. 
 
Ensure all the facts are investigated, including consulting the individual’s personal file for relevant information, and plan how to approach the meeting. 
 
Make sure the letter inviting the employee to the meeting states why they’ve been asked to attend and that they may have a companion present. 
 
Give the individual reasonable notice, ideally more than 72 hours. 
 
Before the meeting, provide appropriate statements from the individuals involved, together with any key information the employer intends to rely on. 
 
Make sure another manager can be present to take detailed notes and help conduct the interview. 
 
Never pre-judge the outcome of the interview before hearing the employee's perspective. 
 
Start the interview by stating the complaint to the employee and referring to appropriate statements from other individuals/witnesses. 
 
Give the employee plenty of opportunity to put forward their side of the story and call any supporting witnesses. 
 
Employers can also call witnesses, but they can only be in the room for the relevant part of the interview –and not the duration. 
 
Make use of adjournments; always take a break to consider and obtain any additional information before reaching a decision. Adjournments can be especially useful if the interview becomes heated or if people are upset. 
 
Communicate the decision in person if possible (and give reasons, taking into account any mitigating circumstances), confirm review periods and ensure you give details of how to appeal. 
 
Confirm the decision in writing. 
 
Potential outcomes 
No action 
After the meeting, the employer may decide that no action is necessary, for example if an employee was unclear about what was expected from them and they agree to try to resolve the issue via additional support or counselling. 
 
Warnings 
Alternatively, the employer may decide to give the employee a warning. An organisation’s policy should outline exactly which warnings will be given, for example: 
 
verbal/oral warning (Acas no longer recommends this stage as part of a formal procedure but, for cases of minor misconduct, this will often be a reasonable method to prevent a problem from escalating) 
first written warning/improvement notice 
final written warning. 
 
Employers should specify how long formal disciplinary warnings should stay on an individual’s record. Typical timescales suggested in the WRC non-statutory guidance for the types of warning are: 
 
first written warning – 6 months 
final written warning – 1 year. 
 
It may be appropriate for a warning to continue to be regarded for longer, provided the timescale was specified in the organisation's disciplinary policy from the outset. The time period for warnings to remain current, and the penalties imposed, must be reasonable given the circumstances. For example, the employer must take into account the nature of the misconduct and the employee's disciplinary record, and ensure consistency with penalties imposed in similar cases. 
 
Dismissal 
There are currently five potentially fair reasons for dismissal – as set out in our factsheet on dismissal. 
 
Employers need to be sure that any decision to dismiss an employee will be seen as ‘reasonable’ by an employment tribunal. The employer must follow the Acas Code before any dismissal and demonstrate fairness overall, for example by complying with internal procedures, treating employees consistently and carrying out a proper investigation. 
 
If, despite the employer’s efforts, the individual submits a tribunal claim, both parties must attempt to resolve the dispute by early conciliation using Acas or some other means of dispute resolution. The parties could also enter into a settlement agreement. CIPD members can find out more from our unfair dismissal law Q&As and our wrongful dismissal law Q&As. 
 
Maintaining people’s dignity and safeguarding their health and well-being 
Concern for the health and welfare of people involved in a disciplinary procedure, should be a priority at every stage. This should include access to occupational health assessment where requested or needed. 
 
Suspension should be a matter of last resort, when working relationships have broken down severely and after all other reasonable options have been considered. It should be reviewed on an ongoing basis and be timebound. 
 
If an organisation does take the step of fairly dismissing an employee, it should still have regard to the individual’s health and well-being and the potential impact that the action could have on the person. Even where the organisation has carefully followed a thorough process and the dismissal is justifiable and proportionate, it is likely to be a devastating outcome for the individual. The organisation should act with compassion as part of a person-centred approach, whatever the circumstances, and ensure that there is support available where needed. The organisation should also ensure that the dignity of the individual is respected at all times. 
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