How to survive a disciplinary hearing
Whether you are Rio Ferdinand in trouble for missing a drugs test, or an ordinary person having trouble at work, disciplinary hearings can seem terrifying. It can feel like your whole career is flashing before your eyes. As tempting as it is, the best plan isn't to panic and pretend it isn't happening. Instead, read our guide to surviving a disciplinary hearing.
- Contact your union (if you have one) immediately. If you don't have a union you should consider seeking advice. Your local CAB can direct you to a specialist employment adviser.
- Before the hearing read a copy of the disciplinary procedure, be sure you know what you have been accused of. If there are any witnesses who can confirm your story ask for them to be present at the hearing.
- Make sure you have a union official or colleague to take with you. They will be allowed to ask questions, and can make representations on your behalf.
- If you are guilty of anything you are accused of it is probably best to admit it. But make sure you explain all the mitigating factors fully.
- Make a list of everything you want to say and go through it with the person you will take with you.
- Write a statement confirming your version of events and give a copy of this to your employer and the person conducting the hearing.
- If you feel that the real reason you are being disciplined is something other than what is being said you must say this at the hearing.
- If you disagree with the outcome you have the right to appeal. You should say you wish to appeal at the hearing or in writing immediately afterwards as time limits are very short.
- If you are asked to sign a record of the hearing with which you don't agree, or a warning you don't feel is justified, write that you don't agree next to your signature.
