The Role of the Companion during the Disciplinary and Grievance Process

In this section

1. Introduction
2. When does the right apply?
3. Who can be a companion?

4. What is a reasonable request?
5. Training and time off for acting as a companion.
6. Applying the Right

4. What is a reasonable request?

When choosing a companion an employee should bear in mind that it would not be reasonable to insist on being accompanied by a colleague whose presence would prejudice the hearing or who might have a conflict of interest. Nor would it be reasonable to ask to be accompanied by a colleague from a geographically remote location when someone suitably qualified is available on site. The request to be accompanied does not have to be in writing.