Leading Disciplinary Meetings and Investigations

A guide to informal resolution, investigations and formal disciplinary hearings

4.60 (180 reviews)

Udemy

platform

English

language

Management

What you will learn

use informal resolution to address a disciplinary problem in the workplace

take a constructive approach to tackling minor disciplinary issues

identify when it might be necessary to go down the formal disciplinary route and what this will entail

conduct a disciplinary investigation and write up a report

chair a disciplinary hearing and decide on appropriate sanctions

Why take this course?

Disciplining employees can be a daunting prospect for managers, but doing so fairly and objectively is crucial for making sure that your employees meet the standards you require.

Organisations can face a wide range of disciplinary issues, from relatively minor problems like poor timekeeping and excessive chatting to more serious problems such as bullying and harassment, theft, fraud or the misuse of company equipment. If left unaddressed, even minor issues can have a profound impact on productivity, morale and working relationships - so it’s essential to address them as quickly and effectively as possible.

Informal disciplinary conversations aren’t part of an organisation’s formal disciplinary procedure - but they can be a very effective way of tackling issues at an early stage before they become more serious, with a focus on helping the employee to improve rather than imposing sanctions. This course looks at:

Common situations where informal resolution can be effective
How to prepare for the conversation
Exploring your concerns in a constructive way
How to avoid common pitfalls
Agreeing steps for improvement and monitoring progress

Some more serious disciplinary matters may require investigation, and this will require the appointment of an investigator whose role it is to gather evidence, interview witnesses to the alleged misconduct and determine whether or not there is a case to answer. If the investigator decides that this is the case, there will need to be a formal disciplinary meeting at which the employee is present and the investigator's report into the misconduct will be presented. As chair of a formal meeting, you’ll need to ensure that you follow the correct procedure and deal with the allegations fairly and consistently. This course looks at:

When an investigation might be necessary
How to gather evidence and collect witness statements
What to include in an investigation report
How to prepare for a formal disciplinary meeting
Who should attend and what their roles are
How to deal with the allegations
What to consider when deciding an appropriate sanction

Reviews

Lorenza

February 2, 2024

I enjoyed the course as it clearly defined the steps. My only comment would be that in course description it states the Country of reference. In the course it references a legislation that is not applicable to in my case province in Canada.

Richard

August 16, 2023

There was not nearly enough details on how to effectively handle corrective action within a company. No details on how to write the investigations report nor how to compile and build your case as an investigating manager, how to include annexures as proof, what to consider as aggravating evidence. Really disappointed

Mas

July 6, 2023

So far, yes, there are things that I already know and practice so having that validation feels good. There were new information too so looking forward to applying that.

Rowla

March 18, 2020

Yes, the short videos are excellent. shows body language and eye contact. Im not too sure about the disciplinary committee (manager + Investigator). what about cases outside UK where there is no unions?

Emily

October 10, 2019

I thought it would be more interactive with quizzes or questionnaires, but it's basically just like watching an HR movie

Erika

November 4, 2018

I enjoyed the course, and felt like most of it could be applied to a real-life scenario. I say most of it, just because it seems like the course was tailored to an audience who might be based in the UK, and I am operating in the US, so there are a few differences in what I’m used to. Overall, however, pretty well done.

Nicola

October 19, 2018

I find that so far it is just confirming that I am using the correct procedure when it comes to formal and informal meetings to discuss staff behaviours, although I like the professional manner in which this topic is being addressed

Miriam

September 26, 2018

Easy to understand and the examples make it simple . Very interesting and knowledgable lecture. Course is well structured and is easy for anyone to understand . Wish there was summary notes at the end .

Yusuf

September 19, 2018

As an Employee relation manager i found this course very helpful. It was constructed in a logical way and gave insights into how to deal with these issues in the UK.

Chantel

May 16, 2018

I really enjoyed this course. It reminded me on many points which needs to be considered during and leading up to a disciplinary case. I would definitely recommend this course.

Martin

December 5, 2017

Sensible,practical and legally compliant approaches put across in an informative and engaging way. Very useful to managers of others (including managers of managers). I didn't give 5 star as the inclusion of 'your HR department' appeared too often. HR departments are always there for SMEs. And managers need to recognise their own responsibilities/accountability in the process.

Ros

October 13, 2017

The course provides a comprehensive step-by-step look at the disciplinary process, from informal chats to deal with minor issues through to conducting investigations and chairing formal disciplinary meetings. There are useful learner notes that summarise all the key learning points and handy checklists to accompany each section, together with quiz questions to check your understanding. Perfect for just-in-time training for managers and anyone who finds themselves having to deal with disciplinary issues in the workplace.

Nick

October 12, 2017

Well made, easy to follow and jam packed with useful info that i can use. I'd pay that money just for the videos, let alone the extra materials you get with it!

Charts

Price

Rating

Enrollment distribution

Leading Disciplinary Meetings and Investigations - Distribution chart