Disciplinary and grievance support for small businesses

Who this is for

This service is for owners and managers who are dealing with a conduct concern, a performance problem, a complaint or a period of difficult absence, and who want to get the process right. Disciplinary and grievance issues are stressful, and mistakes at the start are hard to undo later. A clear, fair and well-documented process protects the business and treats everyone involved with respect.

Common situations

• A manager has a concern about someone's conduct and is not sure whether to start informally or formally
• An employee has raised a grievance about a colleague or manager
• An allegation needs a proper investigation before any decision is made
• Someone has been absent for a long period, or has repeated short-term absence
• Poor performance has not improved despite conversations
• A hearing is approaching and nobody in the business has run one before
• An employee has appealed a decision

How Progressive HR helps

I guide you through each stage and prepare the documents, so the process is fair and consistent. That includes:

• Reviewing the facts and advising whether an informal or formal route is right
• Drafting invitation letters that set out the allegations or concerns clearly and confirm the right to be accompanied
• Preparing managers for hearings, with question guides and scripts
• Supporting you on the day, and drafting accurate notes and outcome letters
• Handling appeals and grievance outcomes
• Independent workplace investigations, with interviews and a written report of findings

Everything follows the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures. This matters because a tribunal can increase an award by up to 25 per cent where an employer has unreasonably failed to follow the Code.

How it works

1. Book a free 20-minute call, or send a request through your helpdesk plan, and tell me what has happened.
2. I advise on the right approach and confirm the cost before any work starts.
3. I prepare the letters, scripts and documents, and prepare your manager for each meeting.
4. I help you reach and communicate a fair outcome, and advise on any next steps or appeal.

Pricing

For most disciplinary and grievance letters, HR Helpdesk Essentials at £149 a month (up to 15 staff, up to 5 requests a month) or HR Helpdesk Plus at £295 a month (up to 50 staff, up to 15 requests, with calls and 2 hours of consultancy time) is the most cost-effective route. A request is one HR issue, such as a disciplinary invitation and its outcome letter.

A workplace investigation is a fixed price from £900, including independent interviews and a written report. Hands-on support at a hearing is available at £85 an hour, or £600 a day.

Why work with Richard

I have handled employee relations casework as an in-house HR Manager, from informal conversations to hearings and appeals. My approach is supportive and compassionate but firm: fair to the employee, and protective of the business. I write in plain English, and I will always explain why a step matters, not just what to do. Progressive HR provides HR guidance, not legal advice, and I will recommend an employment solicitor where the risk calls for it.

Frequently asked questions