Disciplinary Procedures Training

1. Understanding Workplace Disciplinary Procedures
• What are disciplinary procedures and why are they important?
• The difference between misconduct, gross misconduct and poor performance.
• Common workplace disciplinary issues.
• Understanding organisational disciplinary policies.
• Roles and responsibilities of managers, supervisors and HR.
• The importance of consistency, fairness and procedural compliance.

2. Identifying and Investigating Workplace Concerns
• Recognising and reporting potential disciplinary matters.
• Understanding the importance of an impartial investigation.
• Gathering relevant information and evidence.
• Conducting investigation meetings.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Understanding confidentiality and data protection.
• Knowing when to escalate matters to HR or senior management.

3. Managing Disciplinary Meetings
• Preparing for a formal disciplinary meeting.
• Providing employees with clear details of the concerns or allegations.
• Explaining the employee's right to respond.
• Allowing employees an appropriate opportunity to present their position.
• Understanding the right to representation in accordance with applicable procedures.
• Maintaining professional and objective communication.
• Recording meeting discussions and outcomes.

4. Disciplinary Outcomes and Appropriate Actions
• Understanding possible disciplinary outcomes.
• Verbal and written warnings.
• Final written warnings.
• Suspension and dismissal considerations.
• Ensuring disciplinary decisions are proportionate.
• Communicating decisions clearly and professionally.
• Understanding the importance of consistency and supporting documentation.

5. Appeals and Follow-Up Procedures
• Understanding the employee's right to appeal.
• Managing appeals fairly and objectively.
• Reviewing disciplinary decisions.
• Maintaining appropriate records.
• Monitoring improvements and agreed actions.
• Preventing similar workplace issues from recurring.

6. Practical Workplace Scenarios and Knowledge Review
• Managing repeated lateness and absenteeism.
• Addressing inappropriate workplace behaviour.
• Handling breaches of workplace policies.
• Managing employee performance concerns.
• Responding to disagreements and complaints.
• Identifying procedural mistakes and how to avoid them.
• Reviewing key learning points and participant questions.

This course is suitable for:

• HR Managers and HR Officers.
• HR Points of Contact.
• General Managers and Assistant Managers.
• Department Managers.
• Head Chefs and Sous Chefs.
• Supervisors and Team Leaders.
• Business Owners and Senior Management.
• Employees responsible for managing or supporting disciplinary procedures.

Promoting Fair Workplace Practices
A clear understanding of disciplinary procedures helps ensure employees are treated fairly and consistently when workplace concerns arise.

Reducing Employment Disputes
Following appropriate procedures and maintaining accurate records can help reduce the risk of disputes, complaints and claims.

Improving Management Confidence
Managers and supervisors gain greater confidence in addressing misconduct, performance concerns and breaches of workplace policies.

Supporting Organisational Policies
The training helps management understand how to apply internal disciplinary procedures consistently and appropriately.

Protecting Employee Rights
Understanding procedural fairness ensures employees are given an appropriate opportunity to respond to allegations and participate in the disciplinary process.

By the end of the training, participants should be able to:

• Explain the purpose and importance of workplace disciplinary procedures.
• Distinguish between misconduct, gross misconduct and performance-related concerns.
• Understand the stages of a disciplinary process.
• Recognise the importance of impartial investigations.
• Prepare for and conduct disciplinary meetings appropriately.
• Understand employee rights and representation.
• Maintain accurate and confidential disciplinary records.
• Identify appropriate disciplinary outcomes.
• Understand the appeals process.
• Apply fair, consistent and proportionate disciplinary practices.
• Recognise when HR or legal advice may be required.

Instructor-Led Training – Onsite or Live Online

• Delivery: Onsite or live online.
• Format: Instructor-led presentation, practical examples and interactive discussion.
• Practical element: Workplace scenarios, disciplinary case studies and group discussions.
• Participants: HR personnel, managers, supervisors and employees with disciplinary responsibilities.

The course can be tailored to the organisation's existing HR policies, disciplinary procedures and workplace environment.

The course introduces participants to relevant Irish employment legislation and workplace guidance, including:

• Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977–2015, as amended: Protection against unfair dismissal and relevant considerations when managing dismissal decisions.
• Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015, as amended: Protection against discrimination and the importance of fair treatment.
• Industrial Relations Act 1990: Relevant industrial relations principles and workplace procedures.
• Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR: Appropriate handling, confidentiality and retention of employee information.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005: Relevant workplace responsibilities, including where disciplinary concerns relate to health and safety.

The course also considers relevant Workplace Relations Commission Codes of Practice, including the Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures.

This training provides general awareness and practical guidance. It does not constitute legal advice or replace organisation-specific HR policies and procedures.

Samson Training delivers practical workplace training designed to improve management knowledge, confidence and organisational performance.

Our approach focuses on:

• Practical guidance for managers and HR personnel.
• Clear explanations of disciplinary processes.
• Realistic workplace scenarios and case studies.
• Understanding employee rights and procedural fairness.
• Promoting consistent and professional management practices.
• Training tailored to organisational policies and requirements.
• Flexible onsite and online delivery.

How long is the course?
The recommended standard duration is 2 hours.

Who should attend?
The course is suitable for HR personnel, managers, supervisors, department heads and anyone responsible for handling employee disciplinary matters.

Does the course cover investigations?
Yes. It explains the importance of impartial investigations, gathering evidence, documenting findings and following appropriate procedures.

Will the course cover dismissal procedures?
Yes. It introduces disciplinary outcomes, including warnings and dismissal considerations, with an emphasis on procedural fairness.

Does the course cover Irish employment legislation?
Yes. It introduces relevant Irish employment legislation and Workplace Relations Commission guidance.

Can the course be tailored to our organisation?
Yes. The content can be adapted to reflect the organisation's disciplinary policy, reporting structure and workplace procedures.

Is this a formal HR qualification?
No. This is a practical workplace training and awareness programme rather than a professional HR qualification.

Can the course be delivered online?
Yes. It can be delivered onsite or as a live online training session.

Will participants receive certification?
A certificate of attendance or completion can be arranged, subject to agreed assessment and certification arrangements.