Without prejudice meeting after grievance: negotiating exit settlement after 20 years

[UndoRedo]

I had a formal grievance raised against me last year, and after a stressful and botched process I was found "innocent". The case concerned serious accusations of harassment. I agreed to mediation to clear the air but it's clear our working relationship is hampered by mistrust in both sides. I had a meeting with HR who raised the idea of a meeting without prejudice to discuss a possible exit settlement. I've been in role for almost 20 years, technically have a job to retirement and they can't performance me out. How do I best play this out? I'm happy to go...for a substantial amount of money.

Ok

Get a solicitor. If you have legal cover through your home insurance they might help you.

@UndoRedo I was reading through the post before responding on your question, and I will. HOWEVER, I have spent two years applying for posts that I was "more than qualified for" - and guess what? I was. Rejected left, right and centre for being over-qualified, "not the right fit": mostly ageism dressed up as something more palatable.
I really feel for you. Been through that experience and will post in a bit on the first question.

I'm just going through this in local government, though not with the grievance. My line manager dislikes me though so practically the same thing. Check your voluntary redundancy terms - I asked for the equivalent. If you're in a union they may help sense check the process. Mine has dragged on for 7 weeks now and still not out, it's supposed to happen quickly.

So my experience is a little different from yours. I had a complaint made against me by a contractor who had a personal relationship with the CEO. I was bullied from pillar to post and eventually the CEO (who was my line manager) was not allowed to speak or email me without HR being involved.
It was hideous. My successful 30 year career was blown up in smoke. My mental health went through the floor.
My advice to my former self: get in touch with ACAS, lawyer up.
I did actually make it out of that situation with a decent settlement and get another job but it was a slog and I have never entirely recovered.

On and my offer was 17 weeks pay

Some of these comments are absolute pie in the sky wish list stuff. People hear ‘settlement agreement’ and think they’re going to be offered tens of thousands of pounds. Prepare yourself that it won’t be tens of thousands of pounds, despite the 20 year service. Also don’t ‘discreetly record’ any meetings as that is just crappy. This isn’t espionage. If you do want to record a meeting, tell them that’s what you’re doing in advance.

Also as a PP said, there is no such thing as being ‘found innocent’ following a grievance being made. A colleague had a grievance with you or something you’ve done, and although it sounds like there was no disciplinary outcome, it sounds like your relationship with them and with the business has become untenable. As others have said, get a solicitor and take their advice.

Absolutely agree.