Disciplinary Advisor

Headphones

I've seen a stock letter to be used in displinary investigations to be sent to witnesses, the accuser and the alleged perpetrator. Along with the basics you'd expect, comes this:

You are required to respect the confidentiality of the procedure and must not discuss this with anyone other than your companion.

It seems to me that if you're "the accused", this is a ban on seeking any advice, save from your "companion".  It depends on the company I suppose, but this might well be some one with no experience to call on, while the company might have lawyers and HR experts. This appears to have the potential to stack the cards against any individual.

Is this normal practice and is it reasonable?

phil_b

Headphones said:

. This appears to have the potential to stack the cards against any individual.

it is designed to do that. like most corporate contracts

Kittyfrisk

I was wondering if this was an S&M thing. Never mind 

https://www.gov.uk/taking-disciplinary-action/writing-disciplinary-proceedings

Phil_C

Yes it is default procedure. Doesn't need to be adhered to, but be very careful on who confidement/advice is taken from.