How to Conduct Disciplinary Investigations and Hearings.
Investigative Interview Skills
This one-day workshop assumes that participants have an understanding of the current legal background of discipline and dismissal.
This practical interactive workshop focusses on the fact finding interview within an investigation process. It covers structuring an
effective fact finding interview, using appropriate questions to ascertain facts, handling typical issues that can arise during interviews or investigations, dealing with lies and deception and managing difficult interviewees effectively.
This workshop can be extended over 2 days to provide the legal background where necessary.
In the current legal climate, if employers cannot demonstrate that statutory disciplinary and dismissal procedures have been closely followed, any dismissal will be automatically unfair and compensation can be increased significantly. In order to reduce this threat and limit compensation claims, everyone involved in the disciplinary process must not only have a sound understanding of the legislative environment, but must also have the skills necessary to deal with these issues.
This workshop briefly revises the statutory requirements, and then focuses on the practical issues associated with conducting investigations, handling suspension, and holding disciplinary hearings. There are a number of practical exercises, followed by role-play disciplinary interview practice sessions.
Course Outline
An overview of current disciplinary and grievance legislation
A look at the disciplinary process:
- Investigation skills – suspension?
- Investigation meeting
- Invitation to a hearing (meeting)
- Hearing
- Decision and notification of appeal
- Appeal
Deciding the appropriate procedure – capability or conduct
Suspension – key points (Practical exercise)
Conducting the investigation
Acting fairly and reasonably
Data Protection issues
Interview Role Play practice session -how to conduct an effective fact finding interview