Revision History

Introduction

A ‘grievance’ is an issue or problem with something at work. If you are having a problem at work or wish to raise a complaint, then you should use the process set out in this Policy to do so. We want to make sure that you feel comfortable to raise with us any problems you may have.

<aside> 💡

This Policy:

• Sets out the informal and formal processes that can be followed when raising a grievance.
• Explains what we will do if we receive a formal grievance.
• Explains how grievance meetings operate.
• Sets out how we will deal with tricky situations like related grievances and grievances raised during a disciplinary process.
• Explains the role of the grievance officer.

Please note that this Policy does not form part of your contract of employment. We reserve the right to amend or remove this Policy.

This Policy should be read alongside our Whistleblowing Policy and ‣

This Policy applies to all employees. It does not apply before your employment starts. If your employment has ended, we may refuse to investigate any grievance, or we may use a different procedure.

</aside>

What we will do if we receive a formal grievance

If we receive a formal grievance from you, we will:

• Follow a full and fair procedure.
• Investigate all matters raised.
• Act promptly.
• Keep you regularly updated with the status of the grievance investigation.
• Be mindful of the impact of the grievance and the grievance process on your wellbeing and provide appropriate support in line with our ‣
• Not treat you unfavourably for having raised a grievance.
• Retain all documentation collected as part of the grievance process securely, in accordance with our ‣.

The informal grievance process

If you have an issue or complaint, before doing anything else, you should approach your manager, as most grievances can be resolved informally. If your grievance involves your manager ‒ or there is some other reason you don’t want to raise it with them ‒ you should instead tell their line manager.

You do not have to put anything in writing. The issue can be discussed verbally if you prefer.

If this informal approach does not solve your problem, or you do not want to first raise the matter informally, you can use the formal procedure.

The formal grievance process

We follow a three-stage process when dealing with formal grievances.