The hearing

A grievance hearing will be arranged within 21 days of the meeting, or the end of the investigation.

At the grievance hearing the concerns will be formally heard. Copies of any documents to be considered will be provided prior to the hearing including witness statements (the bundle) unless there is a valid reason not to do so but this should be in exceptional circumstances.

Here an officer should be given opportunity to explain the situation, their feelings and how they feel it should be resolved. The hearing can be adjourned if further investigation is deemed necessary.

Once a hearing is heard this will be adjourned to be reviewed and the complaint considered. The outcome and any action taken to resolve it will be communicated verbally within seven days and in writing within fourteen days or such reasonable time is appropriate.

If more time is required, this should be communicated, and a further timeline agreed. The right to appeal will also be confirmed in writing.

Important

The grievance process often takes significantly longer than the timescales detailed within the policy, and there appears to be no recourse for any extension or delays. You should be realistic regarding the time this can take.