Disciplinary Policy

Introduction

This policy forms part of Ashford & St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s commitment to create a positive culture of respect for all individuals including staff, patients, their families and carers as well as community partners. The Trust’s Values (the ‘4P’s’) and Staff Pledge are integral to all aspects of day-to-day life in the organisation and underpin the application of all our employment policies and procedures.

The primary purpose of the policy is one of guidance and problem-solving, and aims to encourage employees to achieve and maintain high standards and to encourage improvement amongst employees whose conduct is unsatisfactory.

Scope

The policy applies to all staff employed by the Trust except medical and dental staff to whom the Conduct, Capability, Ill Health and Appeals Policies and Procedures for Practitioners (Doctors and Dentists), applies.

For staff who are required to maintain current registration with a professional body, (such as nurses, midwives and allied health professionals), disciplinary issues may be reported to the appropriate professional body such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council or Health Professions Council if appropriate.

This policy is intended to cover acts of misconduct.

In the case of disciplinary action against employees who are accredited trade union representatives, a full-time official of the union or organisation should be contacted by a Workforce & OD manager at an early stage and allowed to accompany the employee at any investigatory interviews and disciplinary hearings if the employee wishes.

The Trust is committed to compassionate, fair and inclusive practices and to ensuring that colleagues are treated with dignity, civility and respect irrespective of what concerns may have arisen and what proceedings, if any, may need to be initiated, irrespective of background, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Everything we do is guided by our vision and core values of Patients First, Personal Responsibility, Passion for Excellence and Pride in our Team.

Policy Details

See also:

• Appeals Policy
• Performance and Capability Policy
• Sickness Absence Policy
• Single Equality Scheme
• Alcohol and Drugs at Work Policy
• Dignity At Work Policy
• Policy and Procedure for Grievance
• Conduct, Capability, Ill Health And Appeals Policies And Procedures For Practitioners (Doctors And Dentists)
• Smoke-free Site Policy
• Professional Registration Policy
• Temporary Staffing Policy
• Social Media Policy