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Disciplinary hearing

9 replies

feemcgee · 24/08/2023 12:11

Has anyone been subject to a disciplinary hearing? I have been found to be in misconduct and have been called to a hearing next week. In a 25 year career, this is a first for me and I am so nervous. My boss has assured me that the worst case scenario in this case is a written warning, and also, no action may be taken.
Background: work had been steadily more pressured and this resulted in me becoming physically and mentally ill, the GP was lovely and signed me off with work related stress. During this time, I stupidly posted negatively on FaceBook about an organisation related to my day to day work. This was triggered by my boss publicly calling them out for making inaccurate statements about our company. The accusation is that I behaved in an unprofessional manner whilst representing my organisation.
I have never, ever behaved like this, and my argument is that I wasn't in my right mind.

OP posts:
feemcgee · 24/08/2023 12:12

I am absolutely aware that I should not have done this, which is evidence that I was suffering due to extreme stress at the time.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 24/08/2023 12:14

Do you have any medical evidence that you were suffering from “extreme stress” and so “not in your right mind”. That would really help your case OP.

ListenLinda · 24/08/2023 12:17

it’s a horrible feeling, OP. I hope you have some support at home. When is the meeting?

Banditqueen12 · 24/08/2023 12:29

Your boss shouldn't be telling you what the "worst case" scenario is. They cannot possibly know that.

If you boss has also made public statements "calling them out" then what has been done about your boss dong that. Rows in public are unprofessional and it appears they have done the same thing that you have. What is the difference?

I would be wary of the "not in my right mind" argument. Stick to bland facts. You have a long and excellent work record (I assume you have), this was "uncharacteristic" of you and may be a result of your illness, you accept it was unprofessional and you cannot believe that you did something so foolish, apologise and say you will apologise to the organisation is asked to. Don't get bogged down in lengthy and convoluted explanations or excuses - no matter how true they are they don't change facts, so avoid them.

I don't want to increase your stress any, but does the letter asking you to attend a disciplinary state anywhere that dismissal might be an option? If that is a possible outcome then they are required to say so. So if it doesn't you are probably safe and just need to see it through and accept the consequences, then put your head down and don't do anything else foolish.

EBearhug · 24/08/2023 12:59

I was very glad I was a union member- they were fantastic. I knew I was innocent, but the fact it got so far, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be, and if they had found me guilty, I would have been dismissed. I was found innocent, so all was well, but it was a very difficult time.

That's a different situation from yours, though. I have also sat in a disciplinary with a colleague who was guilty - you should be allowed to take a union rep or colleague with you, and I strongly recommend this - it's a very stressful thing to go through. Your accompanying person cannot defend you like a lawyer, but they can take notes and ask questions about points of procedure.

The disciplinary procedure would ideally be outlined in your code of conduct , or, as mine did, say something like, "we follow the ACAS guidelines", which are available online - and it's a good idea to read them anyway, as it helps give an idea of what to expect in a well-run disciplinary.

I would admit you have done wrong (hard to argue otherwise, if they have the evidence,) but claim you were stressed and will never do it again and just keep your head down. Hopefully it's the sort of thing which will be cleared after a year, but with us, it would prevent you from being promoted or applying for any internal positions within a year, if guilty but not dismissed. It also affects payrises and bonuses. So in your position, I would want to know what the outcome will be, and how long it will last. That should be made clear to you, but you should ask if not.

I tend not to speak about work at all on social media, apart from positive stuff on LinkedIn - though I am a member of a couple of closed groups, which helped me let off some steam. Even then, I tended not to mention the company name.

tweetsandchirps · 24/08/2023 12:59

It will be a warning of some description at least I suspect. Most companies have very clear guidelines about not publicly voicing opinions or comments on behalf of the company. anything which needs to be said goes through a media/legal process. You know you did wrong, apologise, keep the excuses to a minimum, just say it was not typical behaviour for you & uncharacteristic etc. you understand why there are processes in place to handle inaccurate information by third parties.

Deep breaths & good luck

peachgreen · 24/08/2023 13:08

I don't understand – how does what you did differ from what your boss did?

Lucyintheskywithadiamond · 24/08/2023 19:02

The invite letter should state what the possible outcomes could be. What did the letter state?

feemcgee · 01/09/2023 11:44

UPDATE - I have been issued with a written warning, this will remain on my record for one year. Very disappointed but just moving on - and seeing what other jobs are out there!

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