Investigation into conduct - is there a minimum time that should be spent on these?

[Captain Raptor]

Total time spent on my investigation was 20 minutes. 10 minutes interviewing me and 10 minutes interviewing another member of staff. Neither of these interviews produced anything incriminating.

Although my employer said he conducted other interviews, he could not produce any notes for them, but did take them into account. He also refused to investigate points that were raised in my defence.

Considering I was to lose my job, was 20 minutes worth of investigation enough?

[teaboy2]

Re: Investigation into conduct - is there a minimum time that should be spent on thes

Theres no time limit as to duration of investigatory meeting. Though did he provide you with copies of evidence and witness statement prior to then holding a disciplinary meeting - Not investigatory meetings are not the same as disciplinary meetings.

Take a look at Acas code of conduct: Disciplinary and Grievance procedure - Which is found here - http://www.acas.org.uk/?articleid=2174 - And let us know if your employer followed the procedure set out by ACAS. If they didn't then thats unfair dismissal!

Were you informed of your right to be accompanied in writing when given notice as to time and date of said meeting(s)?

[Captain Raptor]

Re: Investigation into conduct - is there a minimum time that should be spent on thes

I was only given 1 witness statement and minutes of my investigation meeting before the disciplinary. At the disciplinary he used other statements which he alleged were from other staff but he would not provide me with a copy of them. He said he didn't have the statements with him, he was just reading out sections of them he had put in his own notes.

The company is clever in that they tick all the boxes to show a fair disciplinary. They had an investigation - tick box; but it wasn't a proper one. They informed me I could have someone there with me - tick box; but they made it difficult for them to attend. They held a disciplinary hearing - tick box; but it was one sided. On the face of it they have done everything they needed to.

[teaboy2]

Re: Investigation into conduct - is there a minimum time that should be spent on thes

If he had used other statements then he should have show you them as you have a right to see evidence gathered during investigation and that includes witness statements, prior to disciplinary hearing, in order to prepare for the hearing and dispute the evidence.

Can you tell me what it is your were accused of doing? Just because they are ticking boxes, doesn't necessary mean they have complied with the relevant level or fairness required or that they have enough evidence to have grounds for reasonable belief of your guilt!

Have you spoke to ACAS yet?