Formal complaint from colleague- what happens next?

[TheoriginalLEM]

A work friend has called me in tears about the fact that someone has made a formal written complaint about her.

There is a bit of a back story but it is my belief that the correct procedure isn't being followed. I think there is favouritism and that the manager is biased.

My friend was called into the office and spoken to about this today, she is devastated. Lots of petty issues raised about her and two other staff members - I think this person is basically doing this to progress herself at others expense . That is just my opinion however.

What would be the procedure following a formal.complaint? My friend was interviewed alone which I don't feel was appropriate- i want to put her mind at rest as she is in a state but i don't know what to advise

Your friend should contact her companies hr department and ask for a copy of their disciplinary policy. If there is no hr she should ask her line manager for this.

If the meeting today was a disciplinary meeting she should have been given notice and given the opportunity to bring a representative. It may not have been an official disciplinary but even so, she should write down her recollections of what was said at the meeting and ask her line manager to look at her notes and sign them so there can be no misrepresentation.

If your friend is concerned about a colleague being treated favourably or using the disciplinary process unfairly then she has the right to raise a complaint against them. But she should check her companies grievance policy and procedure first.

She should contact acas for advice or her union if she is a member of one.

Thank you - I don't know if it was an official disciplinary, she didn't say that specifically. I will tell her to ask hr about the procedure.

I do think the other party is using this to forward herself, she is very pally with the manager who is new to the role and clearly out of his depth.

I am reluctant to become involved as I have had past issues with the other person so it would look like people were ganging up.

She has upset a lot of people and has been extremely decisive, people are starting to see her true colours

An informal talk is recommended wherever possible.

The company must follow the Grievance policy and that should be available to all employees. This leaves no doubt about what meetings are held and who should accompany the employee who is complained about (if applicable).

It is far better to have mediation to sort it out.