If somebody within your business complains of being bullied or harassed, how do you respond?
The best approach is always to investigate the complaint promptly and objectively. Take the complaint seriously. Employees do not normally make serious accusations unless they feel seriously aggrieved.
ACAS guidance states, “…the investigation must be seen to be objective and independent.”
By investigating impartially, decisions can then be made as to what action needs to be taken, and such decisions are more likely to be seen as an appropriate conclusion to a fair process.
If you:
- don’t have the time and resources within your business to undertake such investigations, or
- think that it would be difficult for the allegations to be investigated internally, without the employee questioning the impartiality of the internal investigator, or
- don’t want issues raised openly discussed/reviewed internally, or
- have received an employment tribunal claim that needs to be investigated quickly before putting in the hands of your solicitors….
please contact me!
If you are a business looking for assistance with HR related issues we ought to be talking. I offer a free no obligation one hour session to discuss how I can help you, your team or your business identify solutions appropriate to your needs. 