I've finally made official complaint against colleague

[Diamond68]

I have a very difficult colleague, I am management, she is not. She has constantly undermined me and made the office atmosphere very toxic. This has been going on for 2 years now. HR have been trying to manage out of the business for a while now but she is clever enough to go as far as the line without crossing it. Yesterday she contradicted me at a whole company meeting and accused me of lying. I have full support of management and have documented proof that she is wrong. she continued throughout the day and went to many people in the company accusing me of lying. Management witnessed this and advised me to make an official complaint As we speak she is now in a meeting with HR who will present her with a written warning. I have moved myself to another office it the building but i will be alone with her for the remainder of the day and I am almost sick with worry over it. Any advice on how to manage this situation? Thanks

But you said you were management. How can you know nothing of HR procedures? You can't be a very good manager.

A lot of small companies don’t have designated HR department as the poster said they have 1 HR person and they use outside help. Of course management should seek HR help in any matter such as this. To tackle it herself could inflame the situation and the other party could claim unfair dismissal.

Yes you can. And really you shouldn't be alone with her as she may make stuff up to get you into trouble and get her out of it.

Take a look at acas website it's the fallback guidance for companies. You can also ring them. Are you in a union ?

Have your phone on record so you’ve proof if she says something intimidating.

I feel for you.
I'm afraid I would speak to an employment lawyer. Show them this thread.
They will know exactly what should be done.
It will cost you sadly but I think after two years, it will be worth it.
This has to be dealt with properly and discretely. You are dealing with a nasty person.
I am not a lawyer.

I agree that you should speak to an employment lawyer. They will tell you the way forward and whether it is worth it to pursue this with management.

I am also dealing with a difficult colleague at work. Unless I know I have at least one member of senior management on my side, I would not go further and instead wait for a better moment i.e. give her more rope to hang herself. I actually feel that the less I go into the office, the less room for drama. Do you have that option?

In the meantime, continue to do what you can to avoid her and situations where she can undermine you. Be cool, polite and professional with her so she cannot catch you out. It is stressful.

@smithsgj I am the technical manager. I have no knowledge of HR. So does that make me a bad manager?

Thanks to all those who have been so helpful. I have taken note of all the suggestions and advice and I am very appreciative. I am going to sign off from this thread now.

OP - with kindness - YOU are the Mike, you are the manager.
Manage her to somewhere else, with confidence, detachment and procedure.