Suspended from work pending investigation

[Snudger]

Better and better.
If you receive an invitation to any further meetings come back here so that we can help you to prepare.

Hi MARIEFAB,

Thank you again for the comments.

Been waiting one week now for them to send me a copy of the Investigation meeting notes. I'm just not sure what to make of it all.

Will keep you updated as I receive further information.

Thank's again.

[Snudger]

Hi Mariefab & All,

Quick update.

Received a text message yesterday from one of the individuals I met at the first investigation meeting asking me to arrange an appointment time the next day to come in and review the meeting notes and if happy with them I could sign them. Message also stated that this would allow them to "move on quickly to the next stage".

I replied, by text, stating that whilst I was keen for this situation to be resolved speedily I would prefer a copy of the notes in advance to provide me with sufficient time to review. I also suggested that in order not to delay the process I would be happy to receive the notes by email.

I've not had any reply.

I was under the impression that all communication should be in writing and that I should be provided with at least forty eight hours notice of any further meetings, (according to ACAS)?

I'm unsure if the invitation to the meeting at such short notice should be looked upon positively or not?

As always any responses will be greatly appreciated - than you for the help.

[Snudger]

Another quick update.

just been advised by text that they only post out notes in exceptional circumstances and this slows the whole process down. They cannot send by email.

I have sent a text back with times I can meet today,(I have to arrange childcare).

Still no response .

[Phaeton]

I would have thought it would be reasonable for them to provide you the notes, allow you to read them in your own time & take a set away with you at the end of the process.

[jaguarsuk]

Another quick update.

just been advised by text that they only post out notes in exceptional circumstances and this slows the whole process down. They cannot send by email.

I have sent a text back with times I can meet today,(I have to arrange childcare).

Still no response .

I think you should be taking them away today and agreeing you will return them once you have had time to properly review them.

You need to feel comfortable while reviewing them to do it properly and you need to be thorough with your job on the line. This is not an unreasonable request given the potential end result.

I don't see why they couldn't email them to you.

More haste less speed.

[mariefab]

If the notes that you are asked to sign say anything you disagree with don't sign unless you add 'as received'.

[Snudger]

If the notes that you are asked to sign say anything you disagree with don't sign unless you add 'as received'.

Hi Mariefab & All,

I asked for one amendment, something they forgot to include. It was changed and printed off for me to sign. I signed it and asked for a copy to take with me which was refused after a telephone call to HR.

Was advised that the next stage was for the investigators to meet with HR and present to them. I will then be informed of the next stage in the process.

I've got to admit that I feel pretty upset by today's outcome. I was hoping that they would have gathered sufficient evidence to identify the real culprit. I'm not getting a good feeling about where this is heading.

Thank you all for the support and advice today.

[Bluey4543]

I was brought in as an outside investigator for a company that wanted me to investigate a theft and a fraudulent document that was used to obtain further money off site. One of the company directors wanted to be involved with me on the investigation. This company's employees were not part of any union association so the suspects were left with a choice of another employee.
I sent out a notice to the two employees who were suspected (They had been suspended prior to my involvement) advising them that I wished to interview them regarding the allegations in 7 days time, I also advised them they could bring a solicitor, fellow employee or a friend (The company director was horrified, complaining that what I advocated went far beyond what was required) The director's discomfort was made worse when I also advised the suspects that the interview would be recorded on a twin tape deck and they would be offered a copy at the conclusion of the interview.
The end result was that one employee was sacked for gross misconduct and the other exonerated.
My point is, in an investigation I feel it is important that the process is seen to be fair and transparent to the suspects, so they believe that you are only after the truth and not trying to 'set them up'. I can't understand why your employer would not send you the notes via email and also not let you take a copy away with you, just seems petty minded to me and doesn't instil much faith in their system or investigation.
Good luck with this matter and I hope it concludes quickly and you can resume your career.
Bluey

[Snudger]

My point is, in an investigation I feel it is important that the process is seen to be fair and transparent to the suspects, so they believe that you are only after the truth and not trying to 'set them up'. I can't understand why your employer would not send you the notes via email and also not let you take a copy away with you, just seems petty minded to me and doesn't instil much faith in their system or investigation.
Good luck with this matter and I hope it concludes quickly and you can resume your career.
Bluey

Hi Bluey,

Thank you for the comments.

I guess that's how I'm feeling about the whole thing. Perhaps I'm fearing the worst or over thinking it, it's just so difficult when you've been accused of something and you are not responsible for it, I feel like I want to keep defending myself. Its just so frustrating.

I remain concerned by the wording of their initial letter, the subsequent Investigation meeting and their lack of willingness to supply the notes in advance. Again, perhaps I'm just being paranoid, however, I can't help but feel that things are not going my way.

Thank's again.

[mariefab]

I wouldn't be concerned about being denied a copy of the investigation notes.
HR have yet to decide what the next steps will be, if any in your case. So, it would be premature to release them to you now.

I know that it's hard not to be anxious. But, they're doing everything by the book so far.

[Snudger]

Hi All,

Quick update.

I received a telephone call today from HR, (not the investigators) asking me to meet with them tomorrow to discuss the report.

My previous meetings have both been at a different location, not at my usual place of work. This meeting however is to be conducted at my usual place place of work and not a different location.

Not sure what to expect.

As always any advice or comments are greatly appreciated.

Thank's

[Phaeton]

Let's hope it's good news & you're starting back Monday

[Snudger]

Let's hope it's good news & you're starting back Monday

I live in hope.....

[mariefab]

I think that this could be a very good sign.
As I said earlier they have been doing things by the book. Once HR have considered the investigation report the next step is for them to decide whether, or not, to progress to a disciplinary hearing.
If they'd decided to progress to a disciplinary they are not required to discuss it with you first. The next step would usually be to invite you to attend a disciplinary hearing telling you what allegations you would face and providing copies of the investigation report and any other relevant documents.
Instead they are inviting you to meet to discuss the report.

I've no idea what they will say but it's possible that they might say things like:
They are going to reinforce the policy about using swipecards.
Ban leaving the doors on the latch.

If it becomes clear to you that they are not taking things further I would ask what, if any, steps will be put in place to protect you from facing this same situation again. For example CCTV covering the whole office or always having another person with you.

On the other hand it's possible that they have decided to progress to a disciplinary and (because you are such a valued and long serving employee) they wish to first discuss their reasons for doing so with you in person instead of simply sending out the invitation.

Fingers crossed for the first option.

[jaguarsuk]

Please update us when you can as well, good luck.