How do I handle my second grievance meeting?

[MumtoBen]

I have already been to the stage 1 grievance meeting a few weeks ago. I spent 2.5 hrs presenting my case and answering questions to an 'independent' panel. It was very stressful. In their written response they mainly just repeated back my case to me. The one action they promised was not done. I feel like I have completely wasted my time in explaining my case and the organisation are just not prepared to do anything to resolve the issues. However they were forced to admit a few things that will help my case.

My case has now been assessed by my home insurance (who think I have a good case) and has been taken on by a solicitor who will help me submit to a tribunal.

The internal grievance process is in 3 parts and the stage 2 meeting is next week. I don't want to waste my time going through my whole case again (and I had to submit my case in writing as well, which was really detailed).

From what has been said to me from panel 1 I have no belief that it will be resolved via this process and I am no longer an employee of the organisation since I was forced to resign.

I don't feel like I want to present my whole case again. They have it all in writing anyway. But I am prepared to answer any questions. Is this reasonable or not? All I am interested in is if they reveal anything else that helps my case. And to get through the process until I get to the tribunal. Am I missing something in the point of this process?

Thanks Sweetie, got the response back today. They upheld the managers decision. Except they said they are going to do an investigation into bullying of other people. However, I know this investigation has been done already and lead by the person I have accused. And I can go for counselling - would be a joke except for the fact it's so not funny.

The response doesn't refer to a lot of my evidence (again).

Feel upset and so angry that I have wasted so much time on this stage.

Have now got to go to stage 3. Need to think about what I put in my letter.

The solicitor is now doing an assessment of my case in the next 2 weeks, but I am worried that time is running out for submitting to a tribunal. Couldn't get hold of her today. At this rate I will end up filing on my own.

MumtoBen stage 3 is another appeal is that right? I'd advise putting together an appeal document with very brief points about why the outcome reached is not right, but also with plenty of focus on how this was handled. Any procedural points, any comments made, anything that was not handled well during the first and second stages.

In terms of time limits, you can put in a tribunal claim 28 days after filing a grievance - obviously ideally you should allow the grievance process to run it's course before doing so, and the time limits for tribunals are extended in these cases to allow for that, so you should be fine. Do push your solicitor though.

Thanks Flowery. Yes it is another appeal. Good advice, as usual. Have made detailed notes from meeting 2. Haven't had their version of the notes of either meeting yet. Their note taker said afterwards to me and my husband "I hope what's happened to you never happens to me". She was also the note taker in panel 1!

Before going in to panel 2, I heard one of the panel say that I was using the fact I am on maternity leave as an excuse for my case. Think panel 2 has provided me with more evidence. Their response was outside their own timescales (again).

I feel like this whole process is a test of my nerve.

Going to get on to the solicitor again tomorrow.

Oh Mumtoben, sorry to hear your news. Agree with all the advice that Flowery has given. Remain strong and calm and stick to the facts with out emotion. Definitely chase your solicitor as you do not want to be worrying about her as well. Keep pushing them to give you the notes from the second meeting. You should have them to prepare for the 3rd one and also to give to your solicitor. I know exactly what you mean about a test of nerve, I think in my case they really thought I would crack and back down before actually getting to the tribunal stage. I nearly did a few times but thankfully my DH supported me. Probably why they settled just before it actually went to court as they never thought I would actually do it and I clearly was going to win!

Thanks Sweetie, really nice of you to be thinking of me. My husband spoke to the solicitor today and we are seeing her in 10 days time. Feel a bit better about it.

I think they think I will back down. Haven't mentioned solicitors or tribunal to them, but intend to go to a tribunal as long as the solicitor thinks we've got a case. She gave me a bit of advice of how to reply for the 2nd appeal.

Hey MumtoBen been following your story and been thinking about what you're going through...
any news? Have you started in your new job?

Best of luck

Hello Jamesc, yes I have started in my new job and that is going OK, thanks.

Have had a meeting with my solicitor. She thinks I have a strong case. Feel better about it all now. Can't wait for the grievance process to finish.