Unfair disciplinary hearing

[Atoms]

Hi Everyone

I am being bullied at work after 11yrs exemplary service in a private school.

As a result and on the recommendation of my counsellor I kept a work diary/notes for my own private use, which were then looked for & read.

The deputy head carried out a fact finding meeting with me as staff had reported my notes (private & not being used against them in any way) adding in they felt they could not carry out daily duties due to feeling like they were being watched. In addition accusations of ranting about staff behind their backs, something which is commonplace and I myself have distanced myself from.

The head is now calling a disciplinary meeting but I have not had written confirmation of this (supposedly to be either tomorrow or Friday!) giving me no time to arrange a colleague to attend as term starts tomorrow also.

My line manager is unapproachable & ineffective and has an inappropriate relationship with one of the complainees. This has also been raised as my failing to air greivances with him.

After being subjected to domestic abuse, work is my safe place and as a single mum I would never jeapordise my position there. I am being forced out as was the previous colleague by the main complainee.

I am seeing my GP later as physically sick from all the stress and having this hanging over me since 15th December. It will not result in dismissal, however, do I fire back at all the failings or just take the rap on the knuckles. I am not the 1st to be unfairly treated & scapegoated and was warned I would be next.

Any advice appreciated

Atoms

[ULA]

Re: Unfair disciplinary hearing

In regard to the disciplinary meeting then you do need to be formally written to confirming date and time (ensuring these are given with reasonable notice to give you time to prepare), detailing the allegations, providing copies of documentary evidence that they are going to rely on in the meeting, outlining what may be the outcome by way of any disciplinary action if that is deemed appropriate and that you have the right to be accompanied.

In regard to the diary/notes although I appreciate I am not a counsellor and the advice was provided in a professional capacity this is not something I feel should have been kept at work, if it was for your own private use then much safer for it to be kept at home - I appreciate hindsight is a wonderful thing. However if work colleagues became aware of what was happening, which it seems they did, then I think it is understandable that some of them may have felt uneasy about what was being written about them.

If you do have issues at work then in the event you cannot speak to your line manager they need to be raised with another manager/senior member of staff. This can be done on an informal basis first and if no progress is made then the formal route is to raise a grievance.

[Atoms]

Re: Unfair disciplinary hearing

Ula

Thanks for the reply.

There is the issue of data protection.

They have sent the letter to the wrong address possibly as a result of a typo by a secretary.

The last colleagues to be “forced out” were not listened to either, and I’m afraid I’m the next victim. Even if u did raise a greivance ranks would be closed sadly.

Kind regards

Atoms