Suspension/investigation

[Sheila]

Be most grateful for any advice:
Suspended from work Thursday 20th march and only information given was in a letter advising that they had received an allegation stating I had breached Dignity & Respect in the workplace Policy. I asked for details of the allegation and was told to expect it in the post - was additionally told verbally that it was regarding 2 very serious allegations. I am asking does anybody know what timescale this should be as I called ACAS on Fri and told that there is no direct legal requirement to stipulate a time although ACAS guidelines recommend it be within a reasonable timescale. I am worried sick as to what the allegations are and need to know in order to save my sanity and also prepare a defence.
An investigation is to be started and my thoughts are that any allegations cant be put in writing to me until they know what evidence exists.
Any advice will be most appreciated - thanks in advance.

[Tools]

Re: Suspension/investigation

Hi Sheila and welcome

Do you have any idea as to what the allegations could be?

Have you been suspended on full pay?

What sector do you work in, i.e could it be a work colleague or member of the public/client that has made the allegation?

Give as much info as you can without directly identifying the company you work for.

[Sheila]

Re: Suspension/investigation

Thanks for speedy response.
I am suspended on full pay and work for a very big charity. The outline of the case is that I am a popular member of staff in a middle management position. New manager of 2 months has issues with the departing manager - he has encouraged an investigation to highlight her bad management. I feel I am the scapegoat as there are only 2 staff members who are not team players and who have never made effort to get on with colleagues - one of them is related to old manager. New manager has indicated to me to use my imagination as to who the complaints have been received from as it should not be a surprise. I feel I have been set up to allow new manager some revenge as he is enjoying the prospect of an investigation.

[Sheila]

Re: Suspension/investigation

Sorry forgot to mention that the only thing I can think of as to the complaints is that I have had mention by departing manager that I have not treated these 2 people the same as everyone else. I have tried to explain that I have tried and tried to involve them and I am always rebuffed.. Situation made more difficult by her favouring these 2 people and 1 is her relative.

[helpinhand]

Re: Suspension/investigation

Hi Sheila,

Ive been through similair.As i understand it the company should give you reasons as to why you have been suspended.Normally a company would investigate as soon as possible and could inform you within a week of the next step.

In my case it was a couple of days,they followed it up with a letter and evidence.

Make sure that you have enough days to prepare for the next steps,I think they have to give you 3 working days notice to prepare.Make sure you answer everything possible in detail and you take a witness with you to take notes.

I hope this helps,best of luck

[Sheila]

Re: Suspension/investigation

Many thanks for response, its a terrible feeling waiting to be told what you have allegedly done, imagination starts working overtime! Having read over company disciplinary procedure I will be summoned to an investigation meeting to make a statement but I am not allowed to bring anyone to this. I am assuming I will receive the allegations in writing prior to the meeting but who knows? At this meeting I will hopefully be given any evidence.

[helpinhand]

Re: Suspension/investigation

I don't understand why they didn't tell you their reasons before suspension? I didn't get any notice or time to explain myself.

I hope they don't keep you in the dark for too long.

[Sheila]

Re: Suspension/investigation

I have no details of the reason other than what I've already mentioned. I think that maybe they bit wary to put in writing to me until they check/gather evidence. I could have a grievance myself to put in as I have not been treated well by these 2 people and do have evidence. But I thought the best plan was to wait and establish full nature of complaint firstly.

[Harmonica]

Re: Suspension/investigation

Many thanks for response, its a terrible feeling waiting to be told what you have allegedly done, imagination starts working overtime! Having read over company disciplinary procedure I will be summoned to an investigation meeting to make a statement but I am not allowed to bring anyone to this. I am assuming I will receive the allegations in writing prior to the meeting but who knows? At this meeting I will hopefully be given any evidence.

Does your policy say why you can't bring anyone to this meeting? This is a formal meeting and you have a statutory right to be accompanied by an accredited trade union rep or a workplace colleagues. Are they saying that this investigatory meeting is not formal? You should have the allegations in writing but they do not have to provide you any evidence unless they decide to take the matter to a formal disciplinary hearing.

[Sheila]

Re: Suspension/investigation

Thanks for reply. The policy states that "allegations of misconduct will be fully investigated in order to establish facts. They will also interview me and take a statement as part of the investigation. Following a thorough and complete investigation, the investigating officer will make a recommendation based on the following: 1. that there is a case to answer at a formal disciplinary hearing, 2. that the matter can be dealt with informally through supervision 3. that there is no case to answer.

"Will be entitled to be accompanied by a trade union rep or work colleague at the formal stages of the process i.e. at any disciplinary hearing or appeal. There is no right to be accompanied at the informal stage i.e. during the fact finding investigation"
I am worried that I cant see any evidence at the investigation stage and I don't know how to prepare myself properly until I know what the allegations are?

[cupidstunt]

Re: Suspension/investigation

You don't have a right to be accompanied to the investigation stage.

It's an investigation, they will gather all the details and decide what action to take.

could be no case to answer or could go to discipline.

if goes to discipline, then you have the right to be accompanied by work college or union rep and you wi;l be given all evidence they will be relying on.

[Tools]

Re: Suspension/investigation

It is correct that you do not have a statutory right to be accompanied, however, you can request it, but they are allowed to refuse.

I would also be inclined to request that the meeting be recorded for future reference "to establish the facts should any disciplinary hearing follow". Again they are entitled to refuse. In either case, whether accompanied or recorded, inform them that you will be taking full notes and will be requesting them to sign them. This way they can not just throw wild accusations without justified reason, also, if it is proved that there is no basis for the allegations, you will be able to submit your own complaint against the person who has made the false allegations, see how they like it.

[Sheila]

Re: Suspension/investigation

Thanks everybody for advice and info.
Update that I have found myself a new job - better conditions and pay. What I am wondering is that I have not handed in my notice as yet and do want to clear my name and have my say - does anybody know the best way to go about this. If I hand in notice they will cease the investigation and I do want to see it through, and hopefully have some justice,