A resolution is usually sought through meetings, mediation or other means, with possible escalation to higher authorities or external bodies if not resolved satisfactorily. Ideally, a grievance should initially be dealt with informally, as this can often lead to a resolution. If the complaint is formal( and submitted in writing) or of a serious nature, the grievance procedure will follow that outlined in the practice ' s employee handbook.
In this scenario, you will be invited to a formal grievance hearing, with the right to be accompanied by a colleague or a union representative. The onus will be on you to provide the evidence to support your claims. The practice will then investigate the matter before deciding whether to uphold your grievance. You should be notified of the decision in writing, and you have the right to appeal if you are not satisfied with the outcome.
Raising a grievance should not cause you any detriment, but claims found to have been made maliciously may result in you being the subject of a disciplinary procedure.
Appeals
An appeal is a process that allows a person to challenge a decision made in a case such as a disciplinary action or grievance outcome. The appeal process provides an opportunity for the decision to be reviewed and reconsidered. It is a formal process, run in the same way as a disciplinary hearing, which includes the right to be accompanied.
The process requires the submission of a formal appeal request, often within a specified time frame. The case will be reviewed by a higher authority – someone other than the manager( s) who oversaw the investigation interviews and disciplinary hearings. This person( or people) will make the final decision on whether to uphold, modify or overturn the original decision.
The outcome of an appeal hearing is final, with no further internal redress for the employee concerned.
For advice on employment matters, contact the BVNA Members Advisory Service( BMAS) at advisoryservice @ bvna. co. uk.
BVNA Members Advisory Service( BMAS)
The BMAS team of trained HR professionals have been providing veterinary nurses with advice on employment law and other issues for 20 + years.
We can offer advice on...
• Contracts
• Policies
• Disciplinary matters
• Grievances
• Investigations
• Hours of work
• Night working
• Student issues
• Pay and conditions
• Disability
• Maternity leave / pay
• Paternity leave / pay
• Parental leave
• Annual leave
• Redundancy... and much more.
Email advisoryservice @ bvna. co. uk or call us confidentially on 01822 870270. Please have your BVNA membership number to hand, which can be found in your profile.
Confidential and secure
Contact us with complete confidence that your query or issue will be dealt with confidentially.
Non-judgemental
Whatever situation you are facing, we will advise you in a sympathetic and compassionate way.
Expert advice
Our team have years of experience and keep up to date with any changes in employment law.
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