The Acas Code on disciplinary and grievance procedures: a guide for small employers 

Disciplinary steps

• Establish the facts, with an investigation where needed
• Tell the employee about the problem in writing, with enough detail to respond
• Hold a meeting to discuss it
• Allow the employee to be accompanied
• Decide on appropriate action and confirm it in writing
• Give the employee the chance to appeal

Grievance steps

• The employee raises the grievance with the employer, normally in writing
• Hold a meeting to discuss it, without unreasonable delay
• Allow the employee to be accompanied
• Decide on appropriate action and confirm it in writing
• Allow an appeal

Why it matters

A written policy that matches the Code, and managers who follow it, protects both the business and its people. Records of each step (letters, notes of meetings, the outcome and the appeal) are what a tribunal will ask to see.