Changing our approach to resolving issues at work
12 Jan 2024
We are changing our approach so that colleagues are better informed about what services are on offer and prepared if they need to access them
To ensure that we can achieve the cultural change needed to create an environment where all our people can thrive and achieve their full potential, as set out in our People & OD strategy, we are rethinking how we resolve issues at work.
We have processes in place to support you in resolving issues at work but following our staff survey in 2022 we recognise that formal grievance and dignity at work processes are not as effective as we need them to be or resolved quick enough to be meaningful for those involved.
We are therefore changing our approach so that colleagues are better informed about what services are on offer and prepared if they need to access them.
What do you mean by issues at work?
Issues at work can be anything that you feel is unfair or unjust such as: the allocation of work, work environment, opportunities for career progression, the way you have been managed, bullying, harassment or discrimination.
From a manager’s perspective this could include concerns about an colleague’s performance, conduct or absence.
What does this change mean for me?
If you, or a member of your team, are experiencing issues in the workplace then in the first instance, you should continue to speak to your People & OD Partner.
Your People & OD Partner will offer advice and help you to submit a new referral form either for yourself or, if you are a manager, for a member of your team.
The referral form will then be triaged by a newly created team, Employee Relations, who will work with you and make recommendations for the best way to resolve the situation.
This change will affect how the following services are managed:
- Mediation;
- Capability*;
- Bullying, harassment and discrimination;
- Disciplinary;
- Grievance;
- Appeals.
*academic colleagues will continue to be supported by line managers and People & OD Partners.
Who are Employee Relations?
Employee Relations are part of the Directorate of People and Organisational Development and will work to ensure that issues at work are resolved effectively with a focus on inclusivity, openness and honesty.
The team will explore different approaches that encourage constructive resolution at every stage of a dispute. The team will focus on early resolution before issues escalate to a breakdown of working relationships.
Where do I find the information?
- Find out more information about resolving issues at work.
- If you need any more information, please contact the Employee Relations team.