When the University receives a report about one of its staff, this will be investigated in line with the Disciplinary Procedure (Ordinance 68, Part 2, Schedule 2) which sets out the investigatory procedure that will be followed by the two members of staff carrying out the investigation (the investigating officers).
The first step in an investigation is normally for a meeting to take place with the person who has made the report. This is to provide an opportunity for discussion to ensure that the investigating officers have as much detail as possible on what has happened and how the person making the report has been affected.
The member of staff against whom the report has been made would be advised that a report has been made and invited to a formal investigatory meeting. An investigatory meeting would then take place with the member of staff to provide them with an opportunity to respond. An investigation may also include meetings with other individuals who witnessed what happened or who otherwise can contribute information to inform the investigation. Staff are always entitled to bring a colleague or trade union representative with them for support when they attend a meeting that is part of a disciplinary process. Students attending meetings are also always entitled to bring someone with them.
Once an investigation is concluded, the manager responsible for making a decision on the matter will consider the investigation report and decide if any further action is required. This may include progressing the matter to a disciplinary hearing to consider the matter, which may result in formal disciplinary action being taken.