1. When reference has been made to the Grievance Committee under section 45 of Statute XII the chair or secretary of the committee shall invite the aggrieved staff member, and any staff member(s) against whom the grievance lies, to submit a written statement to the Grievance Committee.
2. The grievance shall not be disposed of without an oral hearing at which the aggrieved staff member, and any staff member(s) against whom the grievance lies, shall be entitled to be heard and, to be accompanied by a colleague employed by the University or a trade union representative. The intention is to avoid legal representation before the Grievance Committee and to achieve equity between the parties, and any requests for a staff member to be represented (at their own expense) by a legally qualified person should be submitted to the Chair of the Grievance Committee in advance.
3. Subject to the provisions of Statute XII (including the aims of the grievance procedures under section 41) and these regulations, the Grievance Committee shall have general power to manage its own proceedings, including to:
(a) postpone or adjourn a hearing, if it considers that there are reasonable grounds to do so;
(b) set time limits on oral representations made, consistent with providing a fair opportunity for each party to present its case at the hearing;
(c) determine the order of proceedings at the hearing, consistent with each party being given a fair opportunity to be heard;
(d) request or permit that an individual attend to give evidence to the Grievance Committee or respond to questions from the Grievance Committee in writing;
(e) request or permit the introduction of new evidence at the hearing, or request that further investigation take place where there is good reason to do so, and, if so, adjourn the hearing if the Grievance Committee considers this is necessary to enable the other party to consider the proposed evidence or further evidence in response or for further investigation to take place; and
(f) ensure that each step in the proceedings is taken as promptly as is reasonably practicable.
4. The Grievance Committee shall be provided with advice and assistance, as required, by University HR.
5. After due consideration, the Grievance Committee shall inform Council of its decision under the provisions of section 48 of Statute XII. The Grievance Committee shall also send information on the outcome(s) of the grievance hearing to the aggrieved staff member, to any staff member(s) against whom the grievance lies (to the extent that the grievance concerns their conduct) and to University HR.
