Should I take a companion to my flexible working appeal meeting?

[LMonkey]

I have my flexible working appeal meeting on Monday (leaving it a bit late I know), and I know I have the right to take someone with me (in my case it would have to be a fellow employee as there is no union), but I really don't want to as I'm going to feel intimidated and nervous enough as it is. I'm guessing it's a good idea to so that they can take notes so that I can a) pay full attention to what is being said and b) in case anything that is said is later disputed then I will have notes taken on my behalf.

What I would like to know is

1. To those of you who have experienced an appeal meeting, is it REALLY necessary to take someone with you, or will I be ok on my own?

1. If I decide to take someone with me, how do I let them know? Do I phone work and tell them who I would like and they let the employee know?

Also is it not a bit awkward for that employee? After all they have to carry on working there.

Many thanks for any replies

I took someone in to mine, someone from another department that i got on well with as i wanted someone a bit independent. Good because you then have a witness and they can also support you. In my case after employer came up with some proposals i then asked for a 5minute break with my companion to discuss whats been said, she was good at recalling all that had been said and what my counter argument should be. Really worth it i'd say. Nothing to lose.

I phoned the person i wanted beforehand to explain the situation and to ask them to accompany me then i let employer know of my choice.

Thanks, I've now requested to have someone present and chose an employee from another department, and phoned her beforehand like you said. I feel better now it's sorted although I know I'll feel really nervous nearer the time!

all the best, hope it goes well