How to deal with an informal complaint?

Question

Hi. There is a long standing issue in our council regarding the complaint process of staff. If a complaint about a member of staff is made, what should happen next please?
Our chair of personnel thinks it’s ok to hold an informal meeting with that staff member (who the complaint was raised against) having only spoken to one personnel committee member and not the other three, and having not told full council.  The chair made that decision themselves. Is this correct?

Answer 1

No such thing as an informal complaint or informal meetings in such a matter and all rules must be followed to the letter.

You should have a complaints procedure enshrined in any employees contract of employment and also a complaints procedure regarding the council members in code of conduct and/or standing orders. If not, why not is the question of course. It actually stops such problems arising in the first place..

Answer 2

The ACAS website is very helpful in advice on staff related matters including examples of grievance and disciplinary policies.  Whilst ACAS advice is not set in stone, not following it is unhelpful in an employment tribunal if things progress.