Asking for an adjournment

Ask for a brief adjournment if the member becomes distressed or angry. Ask for a longer adjournment (re-scheduling the meeting for a later date, if necessary) if new evidence is sprung on the member, to allow enough time to respond properly. The Acas Code confirms that management should not introduce new charges or allegations if an employee has not been given prior notice and the chance to consider the evidence and prepare their defence.