Representing our members

What are the benefits of representation?

As a member of Accord, you can ask us to accompany you at formal meetings. You’ll have someone on your side, working with you to achieve the best possible outcome in all the circumstances. We'll help you to prepare and present your case and explore options depending on the situation you’re in.

But the benefit of representation extends beyond us joining you at a meeting, we play an active part before, during and after your meeting.

• We'll appoint an appropriate union rep to support you and provide you with their contact details. Your rep will agree how often you'll need to keep in touch.
• Your union rep will help you understand the nature of the meeting you’re attending, the process to be followed, and the steps you need to take. Additionally, they will pre-meet with you to go through details and prepare you. You may need more than one pre-meeting depending on the complexity of your case. The pre-meeting(s) will usually be digital or by phone, and preparation includes reviewing any related documentation, assisting you to produce statements, structure your thoughts and gather evidence.
• Your rep will accompany you at the formal meeting. Their role in the meeting is to help you get your points across, explore any mitigation or support needed, ensure the process is followed correctly and that you have a fair opportunity to explain things from your perspective. They can speak at formal meetings to provide an opening or closing statement, generally comment or direct attention to important points throughout the meeting – such as points of policy. But they can’t answer questions on your behalf.
• Formal meetings can be stressful and upsetting so your union rep will keep a watchful eye on your emotional state and mental wellbeing. They may call a break in the meeting if they feel it’s necessary or ask you if you’re OK to continue. You will also be encouraged to ask for breaks, whenever you feel the need.
• After the meeting, your union rep will make sure you’re comfortable with the way the meeting has been handled and discuss any concerns. They’ll also remind you of what follow-up actions have been agreed. When the meeting notes are available, you must make sure your union rep has a copy so you can jointly review them for accuracy.
• When you get an outcome to the formal process, you must send your union rep a copy. They will help you understand next steps and discuss any grounds for appeal if necessary. If you want to appeal, your rep will continue to support you and help you throughout the process.

In summary, having an experienced and knowledgeable representative ensures that you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Your rep will help you to gather your thoughts and put your points across to the business in a structured format. They'll be with you every step of the way through what is often a challenging experience.

What should I do if I’m invited to a formal meeting?

Get in touch with us straight away so we can arrange appropriate representation by completing our online representation request form which will gather some initial details from you so we can arrange appropriate support.

Want to discuss something with us? No problem, call our helpline on 0118 934 1808.

Who will represent me?

Accord has a dedicated team of professional officers across the UK to support and advise you. The team provide representation at formal hearings such as disciplinary, grievance, performance or attendance meetings. They can also help you resolve workplace issues.

You can speak to our officers in total confidence; they will listen to your concerns and provide advice on how to deal with your situation. Accord will not contact anyone connected with your employer to discuss your issue without your consent.

If you’re invited to a meeting, your officer will support you throughout the process. They’ll ensure the correct procedures are followed and help you understand the policy and what to expect. All our officers have years of trade union experience. We’ll ensure you know the implications of any decisions made and help you consider your options.

Can I postpone a hearing if a suitable union rep isn’t available?

Occasionally we may not have a suitable representative available for your hearing date. In such circumstances, you have the right to postpone the hearing date and agree an alternative date and time. We’ll work with you and the hearing manager to arrange a suitable alternative that works for all parties.

We know it can be a worrying time waiting for a hearing, not knowing what may happen, and can be tempting when there’s nobody suitable to represent you to opt to go ahead alone. But we strongly recommend you exercise your right to postpone the hearing to enable Accord to represent you.

Should you face any problems postponing a hearing or if the hearing manager insists on going ahead, contact us immediately and we’ll intervene to get things back on track.

Can my workplace rep attend with me?

Yes, if they’ve been appropriately trained and certified by us.

If you approach a workplace rep they’ll refer you to an Accord officer if that’s more appropriate.

What do I need to do to prepare?

You should read the relevant policies, e.g., disciplinary, grievance, health and attendance, so you know what to expect. The rep assigned to your case will guide you through the process and help you understand the relevant policies.

It’s important that you prepare thoroughly to ensure you get the best from your meeting and put your case across as best you can. We’ll help you structure your thoughts, gather your notes and evidence.

Your rep may discuss with you whether an opening statement or summary is appropriate to present your key arguments. You can ask your rep to presents these on your behalf.

They’ll also ensure that you understand the nature of the meeting you’re attending, the process that will be followed, and the steps that you need to take:

• In disciplinary proceedings, we’ll talk through potential outcomes and help you explore your response to allegations and any mitigating circumstances.
• In grievance cases where you've raised the complaint, we’ll help you think about the who, what, where, when of the situations set out in your complaint, any relevant witnesses you have identified, and what outcome you’re looking for. 
• In grievance cases where you're the person that's been complained about, we'll help you think about the situation and your response, including any relevant information, and any relevant witnesses.
• In health-related cases we’ll help you to think about the support you need which could include occupational health reports or workplace assessments to identify the things that will keep you well at work.

It’s also important that you look after your wellbeing throughout the process. We know that formal meetings can leave you feeling a range of emotions, so it’s important to talk to your Accord rep if you’re finding the process challenging. We’ll ensure you’ve got the right support and signpost you to the right professionals when intervention is needed.

I have an informal meeting; can you attend with me?

Generally, no. Whilst you have a legal right to union representation at formal meetings, this doesn’t extend to informal meetings. In businesses where we’re a recognised union, however, we’ve got agreements in place to allow us to attend some informal meetings.

For example, we’re often called upon to provide support to members at fact-find or investigation meetings, or where we’re helping to resolve a workplace issue locally and informally. Most managers will support this approach because they understand we’re an independent third party working to achieve the satisfactory resolution.

In most ordinary circumstances we would not attend meetings that are considered “business as usual”, such as a return to work, or a 1-2-1 check-in. If you’re feeling unable to attend a meeting of this sort without support, talk to one of our experienced team and let’s see how we can best help you.

I’ve been invited to a virtual hearing (Teams/Zoom) – should I request face-to-face?

Virtual meetings are a pragmatic use of everyone’s valuable time, resources and the environmental impact of travel. However, there may be circumstances where face-to-face is required.

If you’re worried about attending a virtual meeting, talk to a member of our experienced team.

We’ll work with you to ensure you’re comfortable with the meeting format and that you feel prepared, no matter whether you’re attending in-person or virtually.

What is a formal hearing or meeting?

A formal hearing is a meeting called by an employer to discuss an aspect of your employment. Any kind of formal meeting has a set process that must be followed, and you have the legal right to representation from a trade union. There are several different examples of formal hearings or meetings, such as:

• Disciplinary
• Grievance
• Capability or performance
• Health wellbeing & attendance
• Flexible working appeal
• Job Security appeal or appeal against redundancy

In addition, where we’re a recognised union you’ll usually be allowed access to an Accord rep to attend some informal meetings, such as fact-find or investigation meetings.

I’m not a member, if I join will you represent me?

You must be a member of Accord to access representation. If you join with an existing issue, you can have access to telephone and email advice, but we’ll not be able to provide representation for that particular issue.

For any other issues that arise afterwards, you'll be entitled to full support and representation, as long as you’ve continued to pay your membership subscriptions.

I don’t want to attend a hearing – can you attend on my behalf?

We know that attending a formal meeting can be a scary experience, and it can make people anxious - especially if you’re unwell. Although we wouldn’t usually recommend formal meetings going ahead without you, it can be arranged in exceptional circumstances.

If you feel you can’t face the formal meeting in person, let your union rep know. We can help you:

• Work through your feelings and help you to seek appropriate support.
• Prepare for your meeting – feeling prepared may help you manage anxiety.
• Request a delay to the meeting to give you time to get well enough to attend the meeting.
• Consider written submissions as an alternative to a formal meeting.

In exceptional circumstances your union rep may agree to attend a meeting in your absence. In these circumstances, you’ll need to fully co-operate and prepare them by providing written statements or notes so that they can put your case across as best they can.