Grievance hearing

[NewNameBecauseWorried]

Hello, I am supporting a colleague who is going through a really hard time and facing a grievance hearing. I will be called as a witness to answer questions after having given a statement and I'm a bit worried about it. What will happen? Has anyone been a witness in a grievance hearing before? I've got no idea what to expect and I'm a bit worried about repercussions for me however I feel my colleague has been singled out and the matter has been escalated to this stage unnecessarily. My colleague is worried the hearing won't make any difference to the outcome which is expected to lead to dismissal. Its an academy trust if that makes a difference, my colleague has union representation but they haven't exactly been on the ball with it all. Any advice would be appreciated.

Take a notepad and pen with you. Bring your statement with you. Write down every question they ask. Read it back to them: Is this what you asked?

Are you in a union? Check with them to see if you're entitled to have a friend with you. Seems unlikely, but give it a go. A friend may not interject, but they can take notes. Check with them about how grievance meeting has to be conducted.

Thank you. As I'm just a witness it will just be me. And my statement!