Core principles of the Acas Code


The Acas Code contains some core principles, intended to reflect rules of natural justice. They apply to both disciplinaries and grievances, as follows:


• discipline and grievance rules and procedures should be in writing and be specific and clear;


• workers and their reps should be involved in developing rules and procedures;


• workers should be helped to understand what the rules and procedures are, where they can be found and how they are used; and


• what is reasonable will always depend on the particular circumstances of each individual case. 


The size and resources of an employer are relevant and it may sometimes not be practicable for all employers to take all the steps in the Code. Even so, there are some core principles of fairness that should apply to every decision, as follows:


• both sides should raise and deal with issues promptly and should not unreasonably delay meetings, decisions or confirmation of decisions;


• both sides should act consistently;


• employers should carry out any necessary investigations to establish the facts of the case;


• employers should inform employees of the basis of the problem and give them an opportunity to present their case in response before any decision is made;


• employers should allow employees to be accompanied at any formal disciplinary or grievance meeting; and


• there should be an opportunity to appeal against any formal decision.