Page 13 - IMO Consultant Guide

The Consultant Guide

Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures for Consultants

Consultant Grievance Procedure
The Grievance Procedure is in place to provide a clear pathway for resolving certain workplace issues
and allow employees to raise complaints concerning workplace matters.

The Grievance and Dispute Procedure is briefly outline in clause 28 of the 2008 contract.
The Grievance Procedure is a two-stage process and the various stages are set out below:

• Stage One calls for local discussions on the issue that is in dispute. These should be completed
within three months of both parties confirming they wish to avail of the procedure.
• Stage Two arises when local level discussions have failed, and the matter may be referred to
a mediator/ adjudicator by either party. Local discussion have to have taken place before this
step.

The mediator / adjudicator will decide if the case is appropriate for them to accept and considers if all
local level options have been explored and have failed to provide a resolution. If the mediator accepts
the case, the parties will have six weeks to prepare and lodge a statement.
Should the dispute not be resolved by mediation, a recommendation will be issued within four weeks
of completing the process.

Consultant Disciplinary Procedure
Acting as your representative is one of the main roles of the IMO. If you are involved in any stage of a
dispute, we advise that you seek assistance from a Member Advisor.

The Disciplinary Procedure is detailed in Appendix II of your 2008 contract, (if you hold that contract)
The procedure primarily deals with performance and competence-based issues that were unable to
be resolved through discussion, advice and performance plans.

Assuming the complaint or issue is upheld, there are four outcome stages of the disciplinary
procedure, all outcomes should be delivered in writing by your Clinical Director or Line Manager. At
every stage you have the opportunity to appeal within 14 days of receipt.

Stage One – Oral Warning – A formal meeting will be held where your Clinical Director will deliver a
formal warning, details of the matter, suggestions, and timescale for improvement. It will be kept on
file for six months.
Stage Two - Written Warning – If the suggested improvements have not been met after the oral
warning a written warning will be issued. Further improvements will be suggested with a new
timescale. The warning will stay on file for nine months.
Stage Three - Final Written Warning – Further improvements will be suggested with a new timescale.
This warning is kept on file for twelve months.

Stage Four - Dismissal / Action Short of Dismissal – continued performance or other serious issues
remain after stage three. The matter will be referred to a member of senior management for decision.

On-going cases may progress through the scales. In the case of serious misconduct, the outcome may
go directly to stage three or four.

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