Acas Guidance on developing good discipline and grievance procedures 


The Acas Guidance on Discipline and Grievance says good disciplinary procedures should:


• be in writing;


• be non-discriminatory;


• provide for matters to be dealt with speedily; 


• allow for information to be kept confidential;


• tell employees what disciplinary action might be taken;


• say what levels of management have authority to take the various forms of disciplinary action;


• require employees to be informed of the complaints against them and of supporting evidence before the disciplinary hearing;


• allow the employee to have their say before management reaches a decision;


• provide workers with the right to be accompanied;


• state that no employee will be dismissed for a first breach of discipline except in cases of gross misconduct;


• require management to investigate fully before disciplinary action is taken;


• give employees an explanation for any sanction and a right of appeal;


• apply to all employees, irrespective of length of service or status;


• any suspension should be brief, paid and never used as a sanction; and


• employers must ensure any employee is heard in good faith and without being prejudged.