Chairing Grievance Meetings for Employers

Why Use an Independent Chair?

Grievances raised against senior managers, HR staff, or business owners create an obvious conflict of interest if someone from within the organisation chairs the meeting. Using an external chair:

• Removes any perception of bias, particularly where the complaint involves someone senior
• Reduces the risk of procedural unfairness being used as grounds for an employment tribunal claim
• Frees up internal HR resource for a genuinely neutral role
• Brings up to date knowledge of the ACAS Code of Practice and current employment case law
• Provides a calm, structured presence in emotionally charged meetings

An independent chair is a properly run hearing is one of the strongest protections an employer has against a later unfair treatment claim.

Our Grievance Chairing Service

KLG Law’s employment solicitors act as independent chairs for grievance hearings at any stage of the process, including appeals. Our service typically includes:

Pre-meeting preparation 

Reviewing the grievance letter, any supporting evidence, and relevant policies before the hearing, so the meeting runs efficiently and nothing important is missed.

Chairing the hearing 

Leading the meeting professionally and impartially, ensuring the employee has a fair opportunity to explain their complaint and that questioning stays relevant and proportionate.

Notetaking and record keeping

Ensuring an accurate written record is kept of what was discussed and agreed, which is essential if the matter is later challenged.

Outcome letters

Drafting a clear, well reasoned outcome letter that explains the findings and any action to be taken, in language that stands up to later scrutiny.

Appeal hearings:

Chairing the appeal stage where required, maintaining independence from the original decision maker.

Who Needs This Service?

This service is designed for UK employers who need a fair, defensible grievance process without pulling senior staff away from day to day operations. It is particularly useful for:

• Small and medium sized businesses without a dedicated in-house HR or employee relations function
• Organisations facing a grievance against a director, owner or senior manager
• Businesses handling complaints involving bullying, harassment, discrimination, or whistleblowing
• Employers who have already tried to manage a grievance internally and want to bring in independent oversight before it escalates

What Happens If Grievances Are Handled Badly

A poorly chaired grievance meeting can expose a business to constructive dismissal claims, discrimination claims, and reputational damage, even where the original complaint had little merit.

Tribunals pay close attention to whether the ACAS Code was followed and whether the process was genuinely impartial. Getting the right person in the chair from the outset is one of the simplest ways to reduce that risk.

Speak to KLG Law About Chairing Your Next Grievance Meeting

If you are facing a sensitive grievance and want an experienced, independent chair to manage the process fairly, KLG Law can help. We work with employers across the UK to run grievance and appeal hearings that protect the business while treating employees fairly.

Contact KLG Law today to discuss your grievance and arrange an independent chair for your next hearing.

Call 0330 221 0684 to book a free 15-minute consultation. Same-day appointments may be available.