A hotel in Dartmouth needed to address a conduct issue involving a long serving member of staff, which the owners found particularly difficult given the employee's history with the business. They wanted to handle the matter properly but were worried about getting the process wrong given how long the employee had worked there.
We helped the owners think through the situation clearly, separating the personal relationship from what a fair process required. We prepared the investigation questions, the invitation letter and the structure for the disciplinary meeting and attended to take notes and offer guidance during what was an understandably tense discussion.
The matter was resolved with a formal warning rather than dismissal, which the owners felt was the right and proportionate outcome given the circumstances. They say having someone independent in the room helped keep the conversation calm and focused and gave them confidence the process had been handled fairly.