Grievance - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be accompanied to a Grievance investigation meeting?

Last updated: Mon Mar 18 8:46

You may be accompanied at a grievance investigtion meeting by a Trade Union Representative or a work colleague.


Can I appeal against a grievance outcome?

Last updated: Tue Mar 19 9:15

If the Employee is not satisfied with the outcome of the Stage 1 grievance they may raise an Appeal. This should be done in writing, clearly setting out the grounds for the appeal and be sent to the relevant Head of People & OD. The appeal should be lodged within 10 days of receipt of the outcome of the Stage 1 grievance and should cover the full grounds of appeal.

The appeal stage is not intended to be a rehearing of the original grievance therefore the grounds for appeal typically should fall within one of the following:

  • Procedural error

  • The outcome and recommendations are unreasonable and significantly out of line with the issues considered

  • New information is now available which could not have reasonably been provided when the original outcome was communicated


How is a grievance outcome communicated?

Last updated: Tue Mar 19 9:15

Once they have reached a conclusion the Grievance Manager should prepare a formal response in writing to the Employee. This will set out the issues under consideration, the steps they have taken to investigate and assess them, their conclusions and the resolution they are recommending. In more complex cases it may be appropriate for the Grievance Manager to produce a formal investigation report which would be appended to the outcome letter. It may be appropriate for the Grievance Manager to arrange a follow up meeting with the employee who raised the grievance at this point to discuss the outcome, with a particular focus on any recommendations and/or further action required to support a resolution.

The Respondent(s) should also be informed of the outcome and it may be appropriate for the Grievance Manager to meet with the Respondent(s) and/or their line manager to support the implementation of any recommendations.


Can a grievance be withdrawn once submitted?

Last updated: Tue Mar 19 9:15

A formal grievance may be withdrawn at any stage of the process however the University may still decide to continue to investigate and deal with any issues raised (e.g. where potential misconduct is identified).


How many stages are there in the grievance process?

Last updated: Tue Mar 19 9:20

There are three stages to the Grievance Process. Informal, Formal and Appeal. The University will always seek to resolve a Grievance informally in the first instance.


If I give evidence in a grievance meeting will it remain confidential?

Last updated: Mon Mar 18 8:46

The Investigating Manager will treat all evidence sensitively and confidentially. You should be asked to provide your consent for any statements you provide to form part of any final grievance report and it is possible that the indvidual who raised the grievance may view such statements as part of the process (where your permission has been given). You should raise any specific concerns with the Grievance Manager in the first instance.


How do I raise a grievance?

Last updated: Wed Aug 14 13:15

The University will always seek to resolve a Grievance informally in the first instance therefore if your Grievance relates to a colleague you should discuss with your line manager in the first instance. If your Grievance relates to your line manager you should raise this with a more senior manager or People & OD.

If an informal approach does not result in satisfactory resolution or if the matter is too serious to be dealt with informally an Employee may raise a formal grievance. This should be done in writing as soon as possible and in any case within three months of the matter to which your grievance relates. Grievances should be addressed to the Employee’s Head of School or Head of Service. The letter should clearly set out the issue or behaviour giving rise to the concern and the resolution being sought. The letter should be as succinct as possible whilst clearly stating the issues to be addressed.

Further information can be found in the University's Grievance Procedure

Who will be present at a Grievance Investigation Meeting?

Last updated: Mon Mar 18 8:45

A Grievance meeting is attended by the Grievance Manager, the invited employee (and their representative if applicable), and a People & OD representative. In some instances a note taker will also be present.


If I am asked to attend a grievance meeting to give evidence as a witness do I have to attend?

Last updated: Tue Mar 19 9:20

Witness statements and/or evidence may be very valuable to the grievance process and every effort should be made to attend. If it is not possible to attend, it may be possible to submit written information/evidence. Individuals should raise any concerns they have with the Grievance Manager in the first instance.