Complaints and Grievances Procedures

If you have a query or grievance relating to your employment with Handcrafted, the following steps should guide you through the process. Our policy encourages open communication with your Line Manager and aims to resolve issues fairly and quickly.

1. Informal Resolution

• Discuss with Your Line Manager: If possible, try to resolve your grievance informally by discussing it with your Line Manager.
• Alternative Contacts: If it’s not appropriate to discuss the matter with your Line Manager, you can approach Dan Northover (CEO) or Richard Alty (Trustee).

If the issue cannot be resolved informally, proceed with the formal grievance process.

2. Formal Resolution

• Write Your Grievance: Submit your grievance in writing to your Line Manager. If your grievance involves your Line Manager, send it to Dan Northover (CEO) or Richard Alty (Trustee).
  • Indicate that it is a formal grievance.
  • Include a brief description of the nature of your complaint, relevant facts, dates, and names of individuals involved.
• Acknowledge and Investigate: Upon receiving your grievance, we will acknowledge receipt and provide a realistic timeframe for a response. We may need additional information before proceeding.
• Documentation: Your written grievance and all related documents will be kept on file according to our Data Protection Policy.

3. Grievance Investigation

• Investigation Process: We may conduct an investigation, which could include interviews and reviewing relevant documents. You must cooperate fully and promptly. While confidentiality concerns will be considered, some disclosures may be necessary for a thorough investigation.
• Post-Investigation Meeting: If an investigation occurs, we may hold another grievance meeting to discuss findings before reaching a decision.

4. Grievance Meeting

• Schedule a Meeting: A grievance meeting will usually be scheduled within one week of receiving your grievance or completing any necessary investigation. You will be notified of the time, date, and location.
• During the Meeting: Both parties will have an opportunity to discuss the grievance and propose resolutions. A third party may be present to take notes.
• Outcome Notification: You will be informed of the outcome in writing, usually within one week of the final grievance meeting. We will also set out any further actions and your right to appeal.

5. Your Right to Be Accompanied

• Bring a Companion: You have the right to bring a companion (such as a trade union representative or work colleague) to any grievance or appeal meeting.
• With your permission, the companion is allowed to:
  • take notes
  • set out your case
  • respond for you to any comments or points made at the meeting
  • talk with you during the meeting
• The companion cannot:
  • answer questions put to you
  • prevent anyone else at the meeting from explaining their side of things

6. Appeal

• Appeal Submission: If you are not satisfied with the grievance decision, you may submit an appeal within one week. Your appeal should outline which aspects of the decision you are challenging and why.
• Appeal Meeting: We will hold an appeal meeting, usually within one week of receiving your appeal. The appeal will be handled impartially by a more senior manager, if possible. You also have the right to be accompanied by a companion at the appeal meeting.
• Final Decision: You will receive the final decision in writing, usually within one week of the appeal meeting. This is the final stage of the grievance process, and no further appeal is available.

For more detailed information, please refer to the full Grievance Policy.