A grievance meeting is your opportunity to explain the complaint, answer questions, identify missing evidence and state the outcome you need. It should be treated as a formal case meeting even when the tone is conversational.
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What the meeting is for
The person hearing the grievance should establish the facts and explore how the problem might be resolved. The invitation should help you understand the purpose, attendees and arrangements. An investigation meeting may be separate from the formal grievance hearing, depending on the policy and complexity.
Representation and adjustments
Check the departmental policy and make a clear request to be accompanied by a trade union representative or workplace colleague. The statutory right applies to qualifying grievance hearings, while many workplace policies provide broader representation. Ask early for accessibility, health or communication adjustments.
Unlock the full meeting plan below, including the preparation pack, opening statement, question strategy, use of your companion, handling hostile or new material and the exact follow-up needed after the meeting.
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