I have a client who has had reason to invoke grievances against her manager during the past year. The process has been delayed for various reasons and on two occasions, her complaints / allegations have been subject to ‘investigation meetings’ held with senior managers prior to the convening of a formal grievance hearing. To date, no formal hearing has yet been convened.
Does my client have the right to see any reports (and related correspondence or papers) prepared by senior managers as a result of these investigation meetings? It is unclear whether these reports have been placed in her Personnel File, or remain with personnel officers and senior managers.
Please supply any suggestions by clicking on Comments below.
Bill Watson, GAMA
One Response
Clarify whether these reports are on her file
if these reports are indeed on her file, then under the amendments to the Data Protection act, she does have the right to access her own personnel file. However, there is a caveat whereby Personnel can remove any articles which may be prejudicial to other members of staff. Notwithstanding this, your client may still apply to have access to all her details, particularly if she believes there may be prejudicial/unfair comments contained within. A phone call to ACAS will clarify her legal rights in this respect.