People Group Services Limited Company Number: 11570329

Disciplinary, capability, suspension and appeals

Introduction

This policy applies to Employees, Non-employee workers and contractors are dealt with under contract and fair-process principles where appropriate. 

Purpose and fairness

The procedure maintains conduct and performance standards and encourages improvement. PGS investigates before deciding, gives sufficient information, allows preparation and response, and avoids pre-judgment. The procedure may be adapted proportionately without removing core fairness.

Informal action and capability

Minor conduct or performance issues may be addressed through clarification, coaching, training, adjustment, objectives and review. Capability concerns distinguish skill, resources, health, disability, workload and conduct.

Investigation and suspension

An investigator gathers relevant documents and witness information. Suspension is a neutral precaution, not a finding, normally on full basic pay and benefits and no longer than reasonably necessary. Alternatives are considered.

Formal hearing and accompaniment

The employee receives written allegations, evidence and possible outcomes and may be accompanied by a trade union representative or work colleague. Adjustments and remote attendance may be considered. The hearing manager decides on the balance of probabilities and confirms reasons.

Outcomes

Outcomes include no action, informal guidance, first or final written warning, another contractual sanction or dismissal. Warning duration and improvement expectations are stated. Dismissal or demotion occurs only where contract and law permit.

Gross misconduct examples

• Dishonesty, theft, fraud, false timesheets, payroll or expense records, bribery or deliberate tax-evasion facilitation.
• Serious violence, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, safeguarding breach or retaliation.
• Serious insubordination, unsafe conduct, impairment, data/security breach, confidentiality breach or deliberate property damage.
• Serious professional, registration or client-trust breach or conduct bringing PGS or the relationship into serious disrepute.

Appeal and records

An appeal identifies grounds and new evidence within the notified time, normally five working days unless more is allowed. A person not previously involved hears it where practicable. Records follow privacy and retention rules.

Declaration

This Policy is approved by the Board of Directors of: People Group Services Limited Company Number: 11570329

Last updated: 24th August 2026