Panel Hearings

Course Outline:

This two-day programme is designed for line managers, human resources professionals and personnel who investigate employment disputes, to instil a comprehensive understanding of managing evidence and questioning during grievance and disciplinary procedures. 

The course considers the different types and sources of evidence available to managers including witness evidence, documents and evidence, as well as the impact of human rights legislation on the fair conduct of a hearing.  

You will explore, through role-play, the practices and procedures in conducting a hearing, whilst also learning how to conduct the proceedings and deal with witnesses and their representatives. You will go on to look at the art of collective decision making, including role-play for Chairs and Panel Members on how to make fair, rational and justified decisions based on the available evidence. You will learn how to write up decisions based on reference to the issues, the evidence and the proceedings. 

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the relevant legal framework, practice and jurisdiction
• Distinguish between facts, assumptions and opinions  
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Chairs and Panel Members at the hearing  
• Learn the procedure of conducting and managing a hearing  
• Handle witnesses and representatives at the hearing  
• Deal with inappropriate conduct