Accusations could ruin my life

[Cobradks]

Firstly let me make a few points. I am not a teacher, I don't work in a school, college or anything else. The students are all 17+ and are on work experience.

We don't have a HR department as we are very small.

I've been accused of something at work, essentially having a conversation with some students (17+).

The conversation in question was about how technology can be abused. In this particular conversation I said that I'd read that there is AI that will pretend to be underage girls on adult chat forums. I said it was disgusting and quite upsetting that this exists. My assumption, incorrectly it appears, was that simply saying these things exist was enough to cause an investigation, despite pointing out how disgusting and sick it all was.

The college who said the students raised a safeguarding complaint and then my boss has started this process.

So now I am being accused of telling the students that I have spoken to these underage chat bots.

I've had one meeting where my boss alluded to me being a paedophile, this is actually in meeting minutes. I've complained about this and he has just ignored me saying he didn't have to provide evidence until the hearing, I didn't ask for evidence I said I objected to him calling me that word.

I don't want my job anymore, too much has been said. What I want is this hideous situation not to be on my record but my boss is determined to ruin my life. I don't know what to do anymore.

[paulajayne]

Document everything.
Write down now your memories whilst still fresh.
Get a copy of the meeting minutes.
All correspondence in writing only.
Do not phone as there is no record.

In the United Kingdom, the law on defamation is governed by the Defamation Act 2013. If someone has made a false statement about you that has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to your reputation, you may have grounds for a defamation claim. However, it is important to note that the statement must be false and not just offensive or unpleasant.

[echat11]

If you've raised AI as a legitimate topic that's been misconstrued by 'young minds', that's left bosses investigating something that wasn't meant at the 'time', then raise a 'formal grievance'. It sounds like you've raised it informally to no 'avail', If you do it, make sure it's in writing. To clear your name you will need to stand up for yourself, otherwise the situation could spiral out of control. Great advice from PJ.

ULA will add specialist knowledge.

https://www.acas.org.uk/grievance-pr...e-step-by-step

[ULA]

I agree with what paulajayne has said about ensuring everything is in writing and documented. However, I have a couple of observations:

1. In addition to the caution set out by "paulajayne" pursing any form of defamation claim can be exceedingly costing as the starting point for these is the High Court, unless there is mutual agreement to move it to a lower court.
2. If you have students attending on work experience, then I presume they are on from a school or college. However, they have construed your comments to them, it is clear a safeguarding complaint has been made. If that has happened, then your employer does have an obligation to investigate. However, that must be conducted in a fair, reasonable and objective manner. If you feel that is not happening and you have raised this informally then look at raising a formal grievance in line with your company policy or of there is not one, then follow the ACAS Code as linked to by echat11