Engage in Learning

A Discipline and Grievance eLearning Course

Gloucester (UK), March 2019 – "Discipline and Grievance" is the latest course addition to eLearning supplier Engage in Learning’s "legal compliance" series.

In four sections, plus a "Summary and Next Steps" section, as well as a post-course test, the eLearning materials cover

  • An Introduction – exploring the definitions of, and difference between, "disciplinary" (incorporating such issues as timekeeping, performance, absence, and behaviour) and "grievance" (including issues such as discrimination, bullying and harassment, work terms and conditions) scenarios. Among other things, this section emphasises that the disciplinary procedure is about improvement, not punishment.
  • Dealing with disciplinary issues – outlining informal and formal disciplinary scenarios as well as the appeals process. This section explains the ACAS Code of Practice (CoP) since following this CoP is what an employment tribunal will look for (and an employment tribunal can add up to 25% to a compensation claim if procedures are followed incorrectly). Moreover, the CoP is a fair, consistent, and transparent method of dealing with disciplinary issues.
  • Handling a grievance – with the process being explained via several interactive scenarios
  • Appeals – again, with the process being explained via various interactive scenarios
     

Kate Carter, Engage in Learning’s Operations and Marketing Manager, explained, "Having differentiated between a disciplinary and a grievance situation, the course explains how to conduct informal and formal reviews. It outlines the role of ACAS, and also looks at effective and efficient ways to resolve these situations to everyone’s benefit.

"The course emphasises that managing discipline well benefits everyone. Moreover, this course, in conjunction with the client organisation's policy and procedures, will help users to understand how to navigate the appropriate processes successfully.

"When it comes to handling a grievance," Kate continued, "the course explains that it's helpful to take time to explain how and why organisational and management decisions are made. Not only does this keep the process respectful to all involved, but it also helps the atmosphere to remain 'adult' – and, often, leads to clearing up any misunderstanding or miscommunications swiftly."